Year of the Yuri Harem IC 13 Always dump luck [Archive]

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-24, 05:44 PM

Nicole Malone was tense, and lost in thought as she pulled into the school parking lot. On most mornings, Max drove Mallory to school on the way to work while Nicole picked her up after if she didn't want to walk home, but today was different. Her daughter's class was going on a field trip to Salem, and she had offered to be one of the chaperones, something that Mallory seemed surprised by. And in truth, Nicole wasn't entirely sure why she did it herself. It's not like she didn't trust the teachers to watch over the students. And Mallory had given her no reason to believe she wouldn't be on her best behavior.

But she had been acting odd ever since she got that new girlfriend of hers. Though she hadn't decided to do so today, Mallory had started wearing more skirts than she used to, and wanting to meet this girl at places much further away from home than she was usually comfortable with. This Tanya girl seemed nice the little she managed to see of her, but given her daughter's 'condition', she still couldn't help but worry. Maybe that had something to do with it? Regardless of the reason, she was coming, and it was too late for her to back out now.

That last thought made her realize that she hadn't said a word to Mallory the entire car ride over. She probably should think of something.

"So, this should be fun," she said, giving her daughter a strained smile as she set the car into park, "It's been a while since we did something like this together."

"Yes, it has," Mallory said coolly, looking directly at her, "I'm glad you decided to do this."

"Anything for you, dear," she said, before grabbing her coffee out of the cup holder and getting out of the car. When Mallory was calm like this, it was hard for Nicole to tell whether she was genuinely pleased with her or she was just being polite. Or alternatively, whether the demon was exerting its influence and trying to be sarcastic.

Nicole forced herself to look away from her daughter and stare at the papercup in her hand. Don't think about it, she told herself, Not today. Today is supposed to be fun. And thinking about it too much is what makes you forget that Mallory is still in there, fighting it. And when you forget that, you risk losing her even more than you already have. So don't think about her having some unholy thing constantly whispering into her ear, or her not being in control of her own desires, or saying the wrong thing and having what little self-control she has left slip and-

"Mother," Mallory said, the concern in her voice cutting through the older woman's thoughts like a knife, "You're about to crush your coffee."

"Oh," she muttered, loosening the grip on her cup, "Thank you, Mallory, I... I didn't realize."

Mallory just frowned at her (In pity? Concern? Disappointment?) and turned forward again. And then the girl's face contorted into an intense scowl of unmistakable disgust, "Oh gods, she's already at it. And with Taika's mother, no less."

Nicole followed her daughter's gaze over to the bus, where the class was supposed to gather. Instantly, she noticed an adult succubus brazenly flirting with another blonde woman, tail flicking lazily in the air as she looked over the uninterested woman hungrily. Is that what Mallory was going to become? No, she remembered reading about this when she first learned what Mallory was becoming. Succubi were a subspecies of demon, ones focused mostly on sexuality, and altered the host body to be more appealing at puberty. If Mallory was possessed by one, they would know by now.

"Who, the succubus?" Nicole asked, to be certain they were indeed talking about the same person, "Do you know her? Whose parent is she?"

Please don't say your girlfriend's, please don't say your girlfriend's...

"No one's," Mallory said derisively, "And I think she's more than happy that way."

"Well then, what is she doing here?" Nicole asked. She looks a little too well-dressed to be a bus driver, and the tour guide would be meeting them at the site, so if she wasn't a parent that left only one option...

"Wait, that's your history teacher?" She exclaimed, "Why is she acting like that in front of everyone? There's got to be some rule against flirting with a student's parent on the job. Does she want the principal to fire her?"

"I doubt she's worried about that," Mallory replied, "Considering she is the principal."

"Your principal? Seriously?"

Nicole's face went red with embarrassment as Mallory nodded. They were close enough now that the succubus might have heard them, and unprofessional behavior or not she didn't want the principal overhearing the two saying such things about her.

She looked at her daughter to say something, but whatever it was, it was forgotten when she saw her face. Obvious disapproval, disgust, annoyance... Usually, that made Nicole nervous, but this was different. It wasn't directed at her. It was directed at the principal- the succubus. As guilty as she felt for thinking it, she was happy her daughter disapproved of her principal. Because the way she pursed her lips and furrowed her brow, the way her gaze focused on the woman just like she'd seen Max do in court when he noticed something wrong, the way she muttered under her breath in annoyance when the principal tried another pick-up line... It was all unmistakably Mallory. Not some unknowable being of chaos and strife making her angry, or pretending to act 'normal', but her daughter being annoyed at someone she didn't like.

Mallory's eyes flitted over to Nicole, and her brow raised in confusion. "Why are you smiling like that?" She sighed, "Don't tell me you find her behavior charming."

"Wh-What? No, it's not that..." She stammered nervously. She had been smiling? "No, I was just thinking about something."

"What?" Mallory asked.

Crap, she had to come up with something, and fast.

"Well, she's having a devil of a time getting that woman to like her, wouldn't you say?"

Nicole mentally kicked herself. That was a stupid joke, and what's more, it'd probably offend the demon, meaning that Mallory might loosen her grip and-

Mallory snickered as she made the connection, "Yes, I suppose she is, isn't she?"

Nicole couldn't help but smile again, a real one this time. Maybe this trip wouldn't actually be so nerve-wracking after all. They might even have a bit of fun for once.

Strong Skill (+1), Connections (+2), +3 total. Can't Fail.

Necroticplague

2016-07-24, 07:25 PM

While early in a general sense, P'ro'shi is a bit late relative to some of the others, a fact that she recognizes as she runs to catch up with her compatriots. Seeing most of them already there, she takes a moment to catch herself before looking around to get a closer stock of the situation. Seeing Taika's mother, she walked up and introduced herself with a small hug "Ah, hello Ms. Wilton, good to see you! Heard quiet a bit about about you, nice to see you in the fleshes! I can see you met our well-spoken head of school already. Alright, sorry to take up too much time, see you round!" With her akward self intro and slight suck up to a different authority finished, she retreats to some of her better acquaintances to calm down over the stranger meeting (or avoid thinking about if she sounded weird).
Neutral Allure, +2 Runner's Glow, +2 Touchy Spot

Illven

2016-07-24, 08:42 PM

Oh my gosh, they are so cute together! Eeeeeee!~ Lu says. She's chosen to dress as Geralt from the Witcher for today, seeing as how they're heading to the home of witches. (She hasn't actually played the Witcher, she just knows the character's look and figures Witcher, witches... They go together, right?)

+4, from Strong, Boyish Charm, and Cosplay. Score dem VP with Luna!

"Who are?" Jessica picks up sliding a bag under her arm.

"Want to sit together on the bus? By the way, cute outfit. Whose it of?" Jessica replied.

While early in a general sense, P'ro'shi is a bit late relative to some of the others, a fact that she recognizes as she runs to catch up with her compatriots. Seeing most of them already there, she takes a moment to catch herself before looking around to get a closer stock of the situation. Seeing Taika's mother, she walked up and introduced herself with a small hug "Ah, hello Ms. Wilton, good to see you! Heard quiet a bit about about you, nice to see you in the fleshes! I can see you met our well-spoken head of school already. Alright, sorry to take up too much time, see you round!" With her akward self intro and slight suck up to a different authority finished, she retreats to some of her better acquaintances to calm down over the stranger meeting (or avoid thinking about if she sounded weird).
Neutral Allure, +2 Runner's Glow, +2 Touchy Spot

Luna pipes up as she hugs you from behind. So. Takia's mom's hot huh. She teases ogling at the scene before her.

"Mom, are you really flirting with our incompetent principal? I thought you preferred people with a little more grey matter," Taika whispers to her mother at a moment that Ms. Smith looks away.
Skill, against

"She's flirting with me." Your mother replies. "The first couple of flirts were endearing even if she never had a chance. Then it swiftly got annoying. What do we do, I don't want to upset your principal.

Tanya had been a very, very happy young girl since the day of Jen's big ball game. Her friend had clutched it out and become the hero of the game, a true star of the team, and got to bask in well-deserved glory. She'd managed to convince Ethan to get over his fears and finally ask Agatha out, and despite a little hiccup with Taika somehow convincing Nate to go on one date with her, that hadn't lasted beyond the single date, and Ethan and Agatha had finally started dating. She was very happy to see things finally starting to work out for her friends.

And of course, she now had a girlfriend. She and Mal were actually dating. That thought still never failed to bring a smile to her face - especially since she kind of thought it seemed to be making Mal happier, too.

And today was a field trip, which was kind of cool. Getting out of normal classes every once in a while was fun, and hey, it was a chance to actually see Ethan during school hours, which was rare. Too bad it seemed like Ms. Smith was coming along, and... sheesh, was she already flirting with one of the chaperones? Damn, why couldn't she just stick to teaching history already?

"Uh, yeah, fair warnin'," Tanya said quietly to the woman she was flirting with, "she does this all the time, with anyone she finds halfway attractive. Often instead'a doin' her actual job. Seen it all year, trust me." ...well, that wasn't technically true, she hadn't seen Ms. Smith before she started teaching her history class, and prior to meeting Mal and Agatha had only really heard that she was hot. But from what she'd learned since then from Mal and just watching Ms. Smith in general she had no doubts their principal had done this sort of thing plenty even when she hadn't known about it. So same difference, really.

Skill, +2 Poker Face = +2 total.

"She sounds like the worse." Takia's mother pops up. As Ms.Smith seems to be distracting talking to a younger blonde student succubus. Ethan comes up with Agatha from behind.

"What was that about?" Ethan asks cocking his head.

Nicole Malone was tense, and lost in thought as she pulled into the school parking lot. On most mornings, Max drove Mallory to school on the way to work while Nicole picked her up after if she didn't want to walk home, but today was different. Her daughter's class was going on a field trip to Salem, and she had offered to be one of the chaperones, something that Mallory seemed surprised by. And in truth, Nicole wasn't entirely sure why she did it herself. It's not like she didn't trust the teachers to watch over the students. And Mallory had given her no reason to believe she wouldn't be on her best behavior.

But she had been acting odd ever since she got that new girlfriend of hers. Though she hadn't decided to do so today, Mallory had started wearing more skirts than she used to, and wanting to meet this girl at places much further away from home than she was usually comfortable with. This Tanya girl seemed nice the little she managed to see of her, but given her daughter's 'condition', she still couldn't help but worry. Maybe that had something to do with it? Regardless of the reason, she was coming, and it was too late for her to back out now.

That last thought made her realize that she hadn't said a word to Mallory the entire car ride over. She probably should think of something.

"So, this should be fun," she said, giving her daughter a strained smile as she set the car into park, "It's been a while since we did something like this together."

"Yes, it has," Mallory said coolly, looking directly at her, "I'm glad you decided to do this."

"Anything for you, dear," she said, before grabbing her coffee out of the cup holder and getting out of the car. When Mallory was calm like this, it was hard for Nicole to tell whether she was genuinely pleased with her or she was just being polite. Or alternatively, whether the demon was exerting its influence and trying to be sarcastic.

Nicole forced herself to look away from her daughter and stare at the papercup in her hand. Don't think about it, she told herself, Not today. Today is supposed to be fun. And thinking about it too much is what makes you forget that Mallory is still in there, fighting it. And when you forget that, you risk losing her even more than you already have. So don't think about her having some unholy thing constantly whispering into her ear, or her not being in control of her own desires, or saying the wrong thing and having what little self-control she has left slip and-

"Mother," Mallory said, the concern in her voice cutting through the older woman's thoughts like a knife, "You're about to crush your coffee."

"Oh," she muttered, loosening the grip on her cup, "Thank you, Mallory, I... I didn't realize."

Mallory just frowned at her (In pity? Concern? Disappointment?) and turned forward again. And then the girl's face contorted into an intense scowl of unmistakable disgust, "Oh gods, she's already at it. And with Taika's mother, no less."

Nicole followed her daughter's gaze over to the bus, where the class was supposed to gather. Instantly, she noticed an adult succubus brazenly flirting with another blonde woman, tail flicking lazily in the air as she looked over the uninterested woman hungrily. Is that what Mallory was going to become? No, she remembered reading about this when she first learned what Mallory was becoming. Succubi were a subspecies of demon, ones focused mostly on sexuality, and altered the host body to be more appealing at puberty. If Mallory was possessed by one, they would know by now.

"Who, the succubus?" Nicole asked, to be certain they were indeed talking about the same person, "Do you know her? Whose parent is she?"

Please don't say your girlfriend's, please don't say your girlfriend's...

"No one's," Mallory said derisively, "And I think she's more than happy that way."

"Well then, what is she doing here?" Nicole asked. She looks a little too well-dressed to be a bus driver, and the tour guide would be meeting them at the site, so if she wasn't a parent that left only one option...

"Wait, that's your history teacher?" She exclaimed, "Why is she acting like that in front of everyone? There's got to be some rule against flirting with a student's parent on the job. Does she want the principal to fire her?"

"I doubt she's worried about that," Mallory replied, "Considering she is the principal."

"Your principal? Seriously?"

Nicole's face went red with embarrassment as Mallory nodded. They were close enough now that the succubus might have heard them, and unprofessional behavior or not she didn't want the principal overhearing the two saying such things about her.

She looked at her daughter to say something, but whatever it was, it was forgotten when she saw her face. Obvious disapproval, disgust, annoyance... Usually, that made Nicole nervous, but this was different. It wasn't directed at her. It was directed at the principal- the succubus. As guilty as she felt for thinking it, she was happy her daughter disapproved of her principal. Because the way she pursed her lips and furrowed her brow, the way her gaze focused on the woman just like she'd seen Max do in court when he noticed something wrong, the way she muttered under her breath in annoyance when the principal tried another pick-up line... It was all unmistakably Mallory. Not some unknowable being of chaos and strife making her angry, or pretending to act 'normal', but her daughter being annoyed at someone she didn't like.

Mallory's eyes flitted over to Nicole, and her brow raised in confusion. "Why are you smiling like that?" She sighed, "Don't tell me you find her behavior charming."

"Wh-What? No, it's not that..." She stammered nervously. She had been smiling? "No, I was just thinking about something."

"What?" Mallory asked.

Crap, she had to come up with something, and fast.

"Well, she's having a devil of a time getting that woman to like her, wouldn't you say?"

Nicole mentally kicked herself. That was a stupid joke, and what's more, it'd probably offend the demon, meaning that Mallory might loosen her grip and-

Mallory snickered as she made the connection, "Yes, I suppose she is, isn't she?"

Nicole couldn't help but smile again, a real one this time. Maybe this trip wouldn't actually be so nerve-wracking after all. They might even have a bit of fun for once.

Strong Skill (+1), Connections (+2), +3 total. Can't Fail.

And then you see him..... Nate.... Talking to of course. A blonde succubus student.

What do you do?

Kris rolled his eyes at the desperate old women, and just did his best to ignore the display.

Luck, straight roll.

As you trip you find no comfy chest protecting you, instead impacting your chin to the ground. Extending you a hand. A tall young student extends you a hand.

"Are you okay? Need a hand?" She offers extending one.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-24, 08:52 PM

As you trip you find no comfy chest protecting you, instead impacting your chin to the ground. Extending you a hand. A tall young student extends you a hand.

"Are you okay? Need a hand?" She offers extending one.

He smile gratefully (wincing as a piercing pain shoots through his jaw) as he takes her hand. "I'll be alright, yeah. I've taken worse spills before...I really need to start paying attention to where I'm going." He pauses, before adding "Uh...thanks for the help. Not that I couldn't have stood on my own, I mean. I mean, I don't wanna sound ungrateful. I mean--" he cuts himself off, taking a second to center himself. "Hi, I'm Kris! I trip over my feet almost as much as I trip over my words! Who do I have to thank for the assistance?"

JNAProductions

2016-07-24, 09:04 PM

"Who are?" Jessica picks up sliding a bag under her arm.

"Want to sit together on the bus? By the way, cute outfit. Whose it of?" Jessica replied.

The big grumpy dude, from the Witcher. Gerald? Gerome? Geralt? Geralt! Lu says. And of course! And, to continue my trend of answering your questions in reverse, Ms. Smith and Takia's mom!

Illven

2016-07-24, 09:05 PM

He smile gratefully (wincing as a piercing pain shoots through his jaw) as he takes her hand. "I'll be alright, yeah. I've taken worse spills before...I really need to start paying attention to where I'm going." He pauses, before adding "Uh...thanks for the help. Not that I couldn't have stood on my own, I mean. I mean, I don't wanna sound ungrateful. I mean--" he cuts himself off, taking a second to center himself. "Hi, I'm Kris! I trip over my feet almost as much as I trip over my words! Who do I have to thank for the assistance?"

"i'm Olivia." The girl replies. "You sure you're okay, didn't knock anything important." She replies, starting to check you over for a concussion.

Illven

2016-07-24, 09:06 PM

The big grumpy dude, from the Witcher. Gerald? Gerome? Geralt? Geralt! Lu says. And of course! And, to continue my trend of answering your questions in reverse, Ms. Smith and Takia's mom!

"They're a couple. I didn't realize the witch had connections." Jessica replies.

JNAProductions

2016-07-24, 09:31 PM

"They're a couple. I didn't realize the witch had connections." Jessica replies.

Wait-they're already a couple? I thought this was the first time they were meeting each other.

Illven

2016-07-24, 09:44 PM

Wait-they're already a couple? I thought this was the first time they were meeting each other.

"Oh wow, we just talked past each other." Jessica replied. "I thought you thought they were a couple."

JNAProductions

2016-07-24, 09:47 PM

"Oh wow, we just talked past each other." Jessica replied. "I thought you thought they were a couple."

No, but they SHOULD be! Lu says, a big grin on her face.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-24, 09:49 PM

"i'm Olivia." The girl replies. "You sure you're okay, didn't knock anything important." She replies, starting to check you over for a concussion.

"Nah, I always get a bit tongue-tied when I'm introducing myself for the first time. Nothing out of the ordinary, just my usual social anxiety," he says with a (slightly strained) chuckle. "You know, I'm not exactly a stranger to girls wanting to touch me, but it usually waits until at least the first date," he adds with a roguish smirk.

Illven

2016-07-24, 10:05 PM

No, but they SHOULD be! Lu says, a big grin on her face.

"What are your plans to get them together?" Jessica replies.

"Nah, I always get a bit tongue-tied when I'm introducing myself for the first time. Nothing out of the ordinary, just my usual social anxiety," he says with a (slightly strained) chuckle. "You know, I'm not exactly a stranger to girls wanting to touch me, but it usually waits until at least the first date," he adds with a roguish smirk.

"Um, oh... I was... I was just helping you up." Olivia replies with a faint blush.

JNAProductions

2016-07-24, 10:09 PM

"What are your plans to get them together?" Jessica replies.

Well... Much as I'd love to watch them make out in front of us, I think it's best to leave it alone. You know, let what will happen, happen. If they're gonna be happy with each other, they'll discover it on their own. They are grown women, after all.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-24, 10:13 PM

"She sounds like the worse." Takia's mother pops up. As Ms.Smith seems to be distracting talking to a younger blonde student succubus. Ethan comes up with Agatha from behind.

"What was that about?" Ethan asks cocking his head.

And then you see him..... Nate.... Talking to of course. A blonde succubus student.

What do you do?

Mallory rolled her eyes as she spotted Nate. Of course he found a succubus. Well, at least now she knew for certain exactly what kind of girl he liked. She just hoped Agatha really got over him, rather than just 'settling' with Ethan. Speaking of...

She made her way over to the impromptu group gathering around Taika's mom, just in time to hear Ethan's question.

"It's Ms. Smith," Mallory said plainly, "What do you think it was about?"

Illven

2016-07-24, 10:18 PM

Well... Much as I'd love to watch them make out in front of us, I think it's best to leave it alone. You know, let what will happen, happen. If they're gonna be happy with each other, they'll discover it on their own. They are grown women, after all.

"I think there's a wide variety between watching them make out, and no interference what so ever." Jessica pointed out with a devious smile.

Mallory rolled her eyes as she spotted Nate. Of course he found a succubus. Well, at least now she knew for certain exactly what kind of girl he liked. She just hoped Agatha really got over him, rather than just 'settling' with Ethan. Speaking of...

She made her way over to the impromptu group gathering around Taika's mom, just in time to hear Ethan's question.

"It's Ms. Smith," Mallory said plainly, "What do you think it was about?"

"Ah...." Ethan replied in realization after seeing Takia's mom from the front. "This is going to be a fun trip isn't it." He adds sarcastically.

JNAProductions

2016-07-24, 10:20 PM

"I think there's a wide variety between watching them make out, and no interference what so ever." Jessica pointed out with a devious smile.

So what's your plan, then? Because I'm bad at plans, and I don't think pantsing them is going to help anything.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-24, 10:30 PM

"Um, oh... I was... I was just helping you up." Olivia replies with a faint blush.

His smirk turned to an amused smile. "I was more referring to the 'checking me for a concussion' part, but that too. I'm sorry, I'm being too forward again, I'll..." he trails off, unsure of what to do. "So, uh...ignoring my forwardness, how about I repay your kindness by accompanying you on our trip today? Unless you'd rather not deal with a walking pile of awkwardness escorting you, of course..."

Necroticplague

2016-07-24, 10:30 PM

Luna pipes up as she hugs you from behind. So. Takia's mom's hot huh. She teases ogling at the scene before her.

Reaching back with some tentacles to return the favor, the squid return-questions "Oh, do you even have to bother to ask me?"

Illven

2016-07-24, 10:33 PM

So what's your plan, then? Because I'm bad at plans, and I don't think pantsing them is going to help anything.

"What if they have really cute legs?" Jessica teased.

His smirk turned to an amused smile. "I was more referring to the 'checking me for a concussion' part, but that too. I'm sorry, I'm being too forward again, I'll..." he trails off, unsure of what to do. "So, uh...ignoring my forwardness, how about I repay your kindness by accompanying you on our trip today? Unless you'd rather not deal with a walking pile of awkwardness escorting you, of course..."

"If you can deal with my mother, I'd have no problem with that." Olivia muttered.

JNAProductions

2016-07-24, 10:33 PM

"What if they have really cute legs?" Jessica teased.

You mean like you do? Lu says, smiling, then leans in for a quick kiss.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-24, 10:33 PM

"If you can deal with my mother, I'd have no problem with that." Olivia muttered.

"Your mother?" he asked.

Illven

2016-07-24, 10:46 PM

You mean like you do? Lu says, smiling, then leans in for a quick kiss.

"And when I took them off, I noticed how much you stared." Jessica replied kissing back.

"Your mother?" he asked.

"She... doesn't like me." Olivia replied.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-24, 10:52 PM

"She... doesn't like me." Olivia replied.

"I suppose she insisted on accompanying you today?" he asked expectantly. "I'm not sure how much my presence or attitude will help with her, but who knows? Maybe by the time we get there, I'll have withdrawn back into my shell and she won't have it in her to make a scene."

JNAProductions

2016-07-24, 10:54 PM

"And when I took them off, I noticed how much you stared." Jessica replied kissing back.

Mm, Lu lets out, starting to slip a hand under Jessica's shirt, before pulling back. Wait, wait-public place. And school. But once we're out... Rawr.

Esprit15

2016-07-24, 10:58 PM

Taika just nods in response, walking away, flicking the silence switch on and off on her phone in her pocket, before pulling it out and speaking into it. "Hello? ... Hey Dave, what's up? ... Doesn't she have her phone? ... Sure, one moment." The witch runs back to her mother, handing the phone off to her. "It's Dave."

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-24, 11:10 PM

"Ah...." Ethan replied in realization after seeing Takia's mom from the front. "This is going to be a fun trip isn't it." He adds sarcastically.

"I believe that will depend on how successful she is," Mallory said, her eyes shooting over to Taika's mom.

Illven

2016-07-25, 12:46 AM

"I suppose she insisted on accompanying you today?" he asked expectantly. "I'm not sure how much my presence or attitude will help with her, but who knows? Maybe by the time we get there, I'll have withdrawn back into my shell and she won't have it in her to make a scene."

"I think she'd need to be unconscious or dead to not make a scene. I really wish dad could have come instead."

Mm, Lu lets out, starting to slip a hand under Jessica's shirt, before pulling back. Wait, wait-public place. And school. But once we're out... Rawr.

"Can hardly wait, till the bus leaves." Jessica points out with a grin.

Taika just nods in response, walking away, flicking the silence switch on and off on her phone in her pocket, before pulling it out and speaking into it. "Hello? ... Hey Dave, what's up? ... Doesn't she have her phone? ... Sure, one moment." The witch runs back to her mother, handing the phone off to her. "It's Dave."

"But I saw her pull out her phone, earlier, and it's on." Ms.Smith points out turning from the succubus that Takia realizes is Effie. Joy.

"Are you avoiding this Dave?" Ms.Smith replies.

"I believe that will depend on how successful she is," Mallory said, her eyes shooting over to Taika's mom.

"Doesn't seem to be going too well." Ethan replies. "Birds of a feather flock together?" He asks pointing at the blonde succubus besides Ms.Smith.

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 12:48 AM

"Then maybe you should take the hint when someone isn't interested," Taika says flatly, ignoring Effie's presence.

Illven

2016-07-25, 01:04 AM

"Then maybe you should take the hint when someone isn't interested," Taika says flatly, ignoring Effie's presence.

Effie shoots daggers at you, but doesn't seem to do much more then that.

"Aw, a shame. Takia your mom is hot!" Ms.Smith replies earning the group a few stares.

"Welp if you change your mind you know where to find me, you two have any official questions?"

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 01:05 AM

"I think she'd need to be unconscious or dead to not make a scene. I really wish dad could have come instead."

"Hrm...I don't think I'm gonna be able to help, unfortunately. Well, I can't really stop her from doing anything...but I can try and make the experience more bearable."

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-25, 01:10 AM

"Doesn't seem to be going too well." Ethan replies. "Birds of a feather flock together?" He asks pointing at the blonde succubus besides Ms.Smith.

"Looks like it," Mallory said with a frown. Great, now she has a protégé. And of course, said protégé is Nate's new girlfriend.

"Well, at least now I know Agatha definitely made the right choice going with you," Mallory said, glaring at the younger succubus, "If that's the kind of company Nate likes to keep."

"Then maybe you should take the hint when someone isn't interested," Taika says flatly, ignoring Effie's presence.

Mallory couldn't help but chortle a bit at this. Damn, that girl could be direct when she wanted to be.

"I admit, it seem rather unprofessional for a principal to act like that in front of her students," Mallory added, "Especially towards their parents. After all, not every adult woman has the... Appetites of Ms. Smith, and it seems like your mother is included in that rather large group."

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 01:11 AM

"You're not the first to tell me, and you certainly aren't the last..." Taika says, more annoyance in her voice. "Some advice - not everyone likes simple compliments on their looks."

Illven

2016-07-25, 01:22 AM

"Hrm...I don't think I'm gonna be able to help, unfortunately. Well, I can't really stop her from doing anything...but I can try and make the experience more bearable."

"With what, knockout pills." Olivia asks darkly.

"Looks like it," Mallory said with a frown. Great, now she has a protégé. And of course, said protégé is Nate's new girlfriend.

"Well, at least now I know Agatha definitely made the right choice going with you," Mallory said, glaring at the younger succubus, "If that's the kind of company Nate likes to keep."

"Hey, Effie is a bright young student, who just recently submitted her national essay for the Fountainhead competition." Ms.Smith replies crossing her arms.

"Just because she has the body of a burgeoning model does not make her intellectual achievements any less impressive."

"You're not the first to tell me, and you certainly aren't the last..." Taika says, more annoyance in her voice. "Some advice - not everyone likes simple compliments on their looks."

"Side note, you'll probably get offended when we get to Salem." Ms.Smith replies. "It sucks, and we have students write every year about it, but the school board still insists on making the trip. If it gets too much, feel free to go back to the buses."

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 01:31 AM

"Yeah, I make no claims about my taste in boys," Taika whispers to Malory. Shame, but hey, was his choice.

"And why would I be offended? I'd hope thing have gotten better in over 300 years."

Illven

2016-07-25, 01:35 AM

"Yeah, I make no claims about my taste in boys," Taika whispers to Malory. Shame, but hey, was his choice.

"And why would I be offended? I'd hope thing have gotten better in over 300 years."

"Well it would be hard to be worse, but I haven't heard a witch not complain...." Ms.Smith replies.

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 01:43 AM

"Okay Mother, how bad is it?"

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 01:46 AM

"With what, knockout pills." Olivia asks darkly.

"Maybe if we were offensive enough to her sensitive capabilities, she might faint?" he joked. "What really gets under her skin?"

Illven

2016-07-25, 02:15 AM

"Okay Mother, how bad is it?"

"Be thick skinned." Takia's mom suggested clapping Takia on her shoulder. "Be very thick skinned."

"Maybe if we were offensive enough to her sensitive capabilities, she might faint?" he joked. "What really gets under her skin?"

"When my joints act up." Olivia snarks. "Punch me in the knee that'll help."

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 02:17 AM

That was unnerving. "Why. Mother, how bad is it?"

Illven

2016-07-25, 02:29 AM

That was unnerving. "Why. Mother, how bad is it?"

"Very, very offensive. Or I would have brought you and your siblings earlier in life." She replies.

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 02:33 AM

"That's... Disconcerting. Am I going to want to burn the place down by the end of things?"

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 02:33 AM

"When my joints act up." Olivia snarks. "Punch me in the knee that'll help."

"Startin' off with the rough stuff, huh? I dig it," he says, grinning. He was getting to like this girl. "Mind pointing out your old lady, make sure I know who I need to be offending?"

Illven

2016-07-25, 02:43 AM

"That's... Disconcerting. Am I going to want to burn the place down by the end of things?"

"Quite probably, but don't it'll make us look bad." Your mom replies.

"Startin' off with the rough stuff, huh? I dig it," he says, grinning. He was getting to like this girl. "Mind pointing out your old lady, make sure I know who I need to be offending?"

"Yeah, next time I see." Olivia replies scanning the crowd.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-25, 02:46 AM

"Hey, Effie is a bright young student, who just recently submitted her national essay for the Fountainhead competition." Ms.Smith replies crossing her arms.

"Just because she has the body of a burgeoning model does not make her intellectual achievements any less impressive."

"No, but that does make me wonder why she is dating a freshman," Mallory said, "And why she's coming on a freshman class trip to begin with. Let me guess, she's your personal assistant for this trip? Pet project?"

"Be thick skinned." Takia's mom suggested clapping Takia on her shoulder. "Be very thick skinned."

That was unnerving. "Why. Mother, how bad is it?"

Mallory looked over at Taika's mother expectantly, morbidly curious as to what made this trip so dreaded for witches.

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 02:50 AM

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 02:51 AM

"Yeah, next time I see." Olivia replies scanning the crowd.

Kris shrugged. Absentmindedly, he began looking for shapes in the clouds.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-25, 03:02 AM

"Well Nate is clever, low as his standards for personality may be." What did that say about her, then? "Maybe they were friends in a past life. Or more," Taika suggests to Malory, shuddering.

"Fine, but you know how you raised me – they mess with me, I mess with them."

"So what, you suspect she got him to write her essay for her?" Mallory whispered, probably projecting a bit, "Quite possible. And as for the relationship between Ms. Smith and her, I sincerely hope that is not the case, easy as that would make pegging her."

Her curiousity on the topic not satisfied by remaining idle, Mallory turned to Taika's mom and asked, "Ms. Wilton, if I may be so bold, what exactly makes the Salem trip so offensive to your kind?"

Illven

2016-07-25, 03:07 AM

"No, but that does make me wonder why she is dating a freshman," Mallory said, "And why she's coming on a freshman class trip to begin with. Let me guess, she's your personal assistant for this trip? Pet project?"

Mallory looked over at Taika's mother expectantly, morbidly curious as to what made this trip so dreaded for witches.

Ms.Smith just blinks.

"Um... She's dating a freshmen because she's a freshmen.... I think that also answers the second question.... Did you get enough sleep last night." She asks seemingly concerned.

"Well Nate is clever, low as his standards for personality may be." What did that say about her, then? "Maybe they were friends in a past life. Or more," Taika suggests to Malory, shuddering.

"Fine, but you know how you raised me – they mess with me, I mess with them."

"Well yes, but at least make the pitchforks they pull out are real first.... They usually pull out fake ones...." Ms.Wilton replied.

Kris shrugged. Absentmindedly, he began looking for shapes in the clouds.

"Found her." Olivia sighed as a stern brown haired short woman started storming over.

"Olivia Winestein Linderston, how dare you pull a disappearing act on me!" She yells.

"So what, you suspect she got him to write her essay for her?" Mallory whispered, probably projecting a bit, "Quite possible. And as for the relationship between Ms. Smith and her, I sincerely hope that is not the case, easy as that would make pegging her."

Her curiousity on the topic not satisfied by remaining idle, Mallory turned to Taika's mom and asked, "Ms. Wilton, if I may be so bold, what exactly makes the Salem trip so offensive to your kind?"

"Honestly, it's the sole reason I keep voting anyone else then the current members of the school board." Ms.Wilton replies.

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 03:09 AM

"Wrong timing, but I could totally see him being that easy to manipulate... And hey, it is not exactly unlikely. Plenty of demons and celestials run into one another throughout time."

As her mother mentions pitchforks, Taika frowns. "Cool, I'll make sure to identify them carefully. Maybe afterwards I'll go make Belhamy salutes at a World War Two memorial, because mocking people for atrocities committed in the past is funny." She began to wish she had packed more to deal with mundane humanoids - invisibility and various waters were great, but when the best you had to deal with humans was a smoke bomb to escape...

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 03:16 AM

"Found her." Olivia sighed as a stern brown haired short woman started storming over.

"Olivia Winestein Linderston, how dare you pull a disappearing act on me!" She yells.

"Yeah Olivia, how dare you be more than five feet away from her outside her line of sight," he snarked. "With all due respect, Ma'am, it's not like she disappeared to somewhere else, she's still waiting her with the rest of us to go on this little trip."

Illven

2016-07-25, 03:23 AM

"Yeah Olivia, how dare you be more than five feet away from her outside her line of sight," he snarked. "With all due respect, Ma'am, it's not like she disappeared to somewhere else, she's still waiting her with the rest of us to go on this little trip."

"Don't tell me how to raise my daughter." Olivia's mom immediately rounds on you.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 03:25 AM

"Don't tell me how to raise my daughter." Olivia's mom immediately rounds on you.

"I'm not telling you how to raise her, I'm telling you one way you could not drag her down. I suppose that, in a relative sort of way, that's a different way of raising her, but doing a good thing isn't the same as just not doing a bad thing."

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-25, 04:08 AM

Ms.Smith just blinks.

"Um... She's dating a freshmen because she's a freshmen.... I think that also answers the second question.... Did you get enough sleep last night." She asks seemingly concerned.

"Then you meant to say she was in the Anthem Essay competition then, because that's the one open to freshmen," Mallory replied.

"And my sleeping habits are none of your business!" Mallory snapped. In truth, she had not slept well last night. Oh, she certainly tried, but the nerves of actually going on a day-long or longer field trip with her mother had kept her up for most of the night. She planned on trying to take a nap on the bus ride over, since she would have about 5 hours to kill, by her estimates.

"Wrong timing, but I could totally see him being that easy to manipulate... And hey, it is not exactly unlikely. Plenty of demons and celestials run into one another throughout time."

As her mother mentions pitchforks, Taika frowns. "Cool, I'll make sure to identify them carefully. Maybe afterwards I'll go make Belhamy salutes at a World War Two memorial, because mocking people for atrocities committed in the past is funny." She began to wish she had packed more to deal with mundane humanoids - invisibility and various waters were great, but when the best you had to deal with humans was a smoke bomb to escape...

"Tell me about it," Mallory said, "Luckily, I haven't really had that experience yet, and I hope I never will. I would rather not have someone bringing assumptions or grudges from a past life up to me, if you know what I mean."

She frowned at Ms. Wilton's description of a likely event, "Well, we should probably watch our backs then. Why would the school board even think this wa a good idea to begin with?"

Illven

2016-07-25, 04:31 AM

"I'm not telling you how to raise her, I'm telling you one way you could not drag her down. I suppose that, in a relative sort of way, that's a different way of raising her, but doing a good thing isn't the same as just not doing a bad thing."

"Don't talk back to me." Olivia's mom replies.

"Then you meant to say she was in the Anthem Essay competition then, because that's the one open to freshmen," Mallory replied.

"And my sleeping habits are none of your business!" Mallory snapped. In truth, she had not slept well last night. Oh, she certainly tried, but the nerves of actually going on a day-long or longer field trip with her mother had kept her up for most of the night. She planned on trying to take a nap on the bus ride over, since she would have about 5 hours to kill, by her estimates.

"Tell me about it," Mallory said, "Luckily, I haven't really had that experience yet, and I hope I never will. I would rather not have someone bringing assumptions or grudges from a past life up to me, if you know what I mean."

She frowned at Ms. Wilton's description of a likely event, "Well, we should probably watch our backs then. Why would the school board even think this wa a good idea to begin with?"

"The school board has zero witches on it is why!" Ms.Smith calls over.

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 04:46 AM

"Yeah, because one of the few sane witches in town works at a different school. Maybe there would be more, you know, if a certain group of towns didn't try to kill them all."

Illven

2016-07-25, 05:28 AM

Reaching back with some tentacles to return the favor, the squid return-questions "Oh, do you even have to bother to ask me?"

You could not like older women. Luna teased with a smirk.

Illven

2016-07-25, 05:30 AM

"Yeah, because one of the few sane witches in town works at a different school. Maybe there would be more, you know, if a certain group of towns didn't try to kill them all."

"I mean all I can suggest is try to get national attention on it." Ms.Smith admits rubbing the back of her head.

JNAProductions

2016-07-25, 10:30 AM

"Can hardly wait, till the bus leaves." Jessica points out with a grin.

So that's why you wanted us in the back of the bus!

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 12:12 PM

"I mean all I can suggest is try to get national attention on it." Ms.Smith admits rubbing the back of her head.

"Well, now I know to have this running for most of our trip," Taika says, pulling out her phone and switching it to take video.

Necroticplague

2016-07-25, 12:15 PM

You could not like older women. Luna teased with a smirk.

Similarly smirking back, P'ro'shi shoots back "Hehehe, age is but a number. One that's only important on the lower end."

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 12:24 PM

"Don't talk back to me." Olivia's mom replies.

"I'll thank you to not tell my mother how to raise her children. It's very rude," he responded flippantly.

Illven

2016-07-25, 02:29 PM

So that's why you wanted us in the back of the bus!

"Aw, my devious plan has been discovered already?" Jessica fake pouted.

"Well, now I know to have this running for most of our trip," Taika says, pulling out her phone and switching it to take video.

"Best part is, the state's a one party consent law." Ms.Smith points out.

Similarly smirking back, P'ro'shi shoots back "Hehehe, age is but a number. One that's only important on the lower end."

But we are the low end. Luna jokes dramatically.

"I'll thank you to not tell my mother how to raise her children. It's very rude," he responded flippantly.

"I'm not talking to your mother, I'm talking to you." Olivia's mom snarls.

JNAProductions

2016-07-25, 02:31 PM

"Aw, my devious plan has been discovered already?" Jessica fake pouted.

Devious plan, hm? Only naughty girls have devious plans... But then again, I already knew that you were, Lu says with a wink and a smile.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 02:34 PM

"I'm not talking to your mother, I'm talking to you." Olivia's mom snarls.

"You're complaining about her way of raising me. My mother taught me to be curious about, and question, the world around me, to learn more about it, and then some loud woman came up to me and told me to shut up and take her verbal abuse, and then you're surprised that I'm not caving in to you at the first sign of trouble? If you've got a problem with me, I advise you to find somebody who cares."

Illven

2016-07-25, 03:01 PM

Devious plan, hm? Only naughty girls have devious plans... But then again, I already knew that you were, Lu says with a wink and a smile.

"Well maybe we should put a hold on my plan to sit up with our principal." Jessica suggests.

"You're complaining about her way of raising me. My mother taught me to be curious about, and question, the world around me, to learn more about it, and then some loud woman came up to me and told me to shut up and take her verbal abuse, and then you're surprised that I'm not caving in to you at the first sign of trouble? If you've got a problem with me, I advise you to find somebody who cares."

"I'm not abusive!" She yelps like a whacked puppy.

JNAProductions

2016-07-25, 03:02 PM

"Well maybe we should put a hold on my plan to sit up with our principal." Jessica suggests.

Fair enough. Plan Cupid Alpha Ninja Raptor, commence!

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 03:09 PM

"I'm not abusive!" She yelps like a whacked puppy.

"I've known you for all of a minute, and you've done nothing but yell at me for nothing worse than mildly expressing my opinion. The proper response of an adult faced with a teenager disagreeing with them is to either debate the topic of disagreement, or to dismiss them out of hand; sure, dismissal is rude, but it's not 'trying to yell the disagreeing opinion out of me' rude. Now, whether that qualifies as verbal abuse is a completely separate matter, but regardless of legal definitions it's still not an appropriate response."

Necroticplague

2016-07-25, 03:30 PM

But we are the low end. Luna jokes dramatically.

"Yeah, so we have so worry about whether we'll age well, at least they already got over that bump. Thankfully, good genes appear to be on your side."

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-25, 04:04 PM

"Well, now I know to have this running for most of our trip," Taika says, pulling out her phone and switching it to take video.

"Best part is, the state's a one party consent law." Ms.Smith points out.

Mallory opened her mouth to respond to Taika, but closed it just as quickly when Ms. Smith spoke. She just glared at the principal, clearly ticked off at being beaten to the punch by her.

"Yes," Mallory eventually added, "Just don't forget to record yourself giving your consent before the tour begins. Otherwise, they could argue that you did not in fact give consent for your own recording. Poorly, considering it's video, but still possible, and you do want this to be as iron-clad as possible, I'm assuming."

Illven

2016-07-25, 04:13 PM

Fair enough. Plan Cupid Alpha Ninja Raptor, commence!

"What's step 1." Jessica replies.

"I've known you for all of a minute, and you've done nothing but yell at me for nothing worse than mildly expressing my opinion. The proper response of an adult faced with a teenager disagreeing with them is to either debate the topic of disagreement, or to dismiss them out of hand; sure, dismissal is rude, but it's not 'trying to yell the disagreeing opinion out of me' rude. Now, whether that qualifies as verbal abuse is a completely separate matter, but regardless of legal definitions it's still not an appropriate response."

"It is a response to uppity kids." She replies. "Olivia come with me." She says grabbing Olivia's arm hard and tugging it.

"Yeah, so we have so worry about whether we'll age well, at least they already got over that bump. Thankfully, good genes appear to be on your side."

Also these. I won't go past 21. Luna replies poking her fangs.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 04:26 PM

"It is a response to uppity kids." She replies. "Olivia come with me." She says.

Kris steps in her path. "Yelling at people until they give up trying to argue with you isn't a response, it's you harassing them into capitulation. Of course, it's telling that you're trying to escape the argument now thatyou see somebody isn't going to let you bully them into submission."

JNAProductions

2016-07-25, 04:43 PM

"What's step 1." Jessica replies.

Integrate ourselves into them. Remember-they are the borg-we will be assimilated, Lu says, before plopping down near Ms. Smith and Takia's mom. Hi guys!

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 04:44 PM

Taika nods. "True, though one would think that being the camera operator means I consent to using the camera... Laws are weird.

Hm, do Salem residents feel as strongly about sorcerers as they do about witches? Or any other eldritch beings?"

Illven

2016-07-25, 05:00 PM

Kris steps in her path. "Yelling at people until they give up trying to argue with you isn't a response, it's you harassing them into capitulation. Of course, it's telling that you're trying to escape the argument now thatyou see somebody isn't going to let you bully them into submission."

Olivia does seem in some minor pain at some of the stronger tugs.

Integrate ourselves into them. Remember-they are the borg-we will be assimilated, Lu says, before plopping down near Ms. Smith and Takia's mom. Hi guys!

"Oh hello. Do you have any questions?" Ms.Smith replies.

Taika nods. "True, though one would think that being the camera operator means I consent to using the camera... Laws are weird.

Hm, do Salem residents feel as strongly about sorcerers as they do about witches? Or any other eldritch beings?"

"They hate Sirens but besides that they seem fine with other eldritch beings." Ms.Wilton replies.

JNAProductions

2016-07-25, 05:03 PM

"Oh hello. Do you have any questions?" Ms.Smith replies.

No, not really. Just wanted to be by my favorite principal. And wanted to say thanks for sticking up for me at the sportsball game.

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 05:08 PM

"Well that at least leaves Luna, Jen, and P'ro'shi out of this... And Mal, funny enough."

Illven

2016-07-25, 05:15 PM

No, not really. Just wanted to be by my favorite principal. And wanted to say thanks for sticking up for me at the sportsball game.

"Softball." Ms.Smith corrects.

"Plus it was completely legal for you to be topless." She adds/

"Well that at least leaves Luna, Jen, and P'ro'shi out of this... And Mal, funny enough."

"Yeah, it's strange. They seem just fine with demons." Ms.Wilton muses.

JNAProductions

2016-07-25, 05:22 PM

"Softball." Ms.Smith corrects.

"Plus it was completely legal for you to be topless." She adds/.

Yeah, but some people were being a bit anal about it. So I saw you talking with our chaperone too-what'd you think of her?

Necroticplague

2016-07-25, 05:23 PM

Also these. I won't go past 21. Luna replies poking her fangs.

There's a slight *thud* noise as P'ro'shi visibly facepalms. "Sorry. Easy to forget those are there."

Illven

2016-07-25, 05:36 PM

Kris steps in her path. "Yelling at people until they give up trying to argue with you isn't a response, it's you harassing them into capitulation. Of course, it's telling that you're trying to escape the argument now thatyou see somebody isn't going to let you bully them into submission."

[You do not manage to get in-between them.]

Yeah, but some people were being a bit anal about it. So I saw you talking with our chaperone too-what'd you think of her?

"She is cute!" Ms.Smith proclaims emphatically. "But she doesn't seem interested ah well."

There's a slight *thud* noise as P'ro'shi visibly facepalms. "Sorry. Easy to forget those are there."

Is that a use them on me, more often? Luna teases starting to nom P'ro'shi's neck.

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 05:53 PM

"So is this really just tensions leftover from the war? I thought the local covens left the region to end the fighting?"

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-25, 05:57 PM

Taika nods. "True, though one would think that being the camera operator means I consent to using the camera... Laws are weird.

Mallory shrugged, "I assume it's in case said operator was coerced into doing it rather than doing so of their own volition. Quite a few laws are stricter in the books than most would find reasonable specifically because of that clarification being needed for one particular case where the general assumption did not apply."

"Well that at least leaves Luna, Jen, and P'ro'shi out of this... And Mal, funny enough."

"Yeah, it's strange. They seem just fine with demons." Ms.Wilton muses.

"Yes, that is rather odd," Mallory mused with a frown, "Especially since witches were once thought by humans to gain their powers by consorting with demons. Though considering I'm friends with two of them, I don't think I will be getting a free pass either."

JNAProductions

2016-07-25, 05:59 PM

"She is cute!" Ms.Smith proclaims emphatically. "But she doesn't seem interested ah well."

Well, don't give up! Lu says, followed by a "Yeah!" from Jessica. You're an awesome person, and I'm sure she'll be able to see that!

Illven

2016-07-25, 06:04 PM

"So is this really just tensions leftover from the war? I thought the local covens left the region to end the fighting?"

"That was the plan. It didn't work as well as intended." Ms.Wilton replied.

Mallory shrugged, "I assume it's in case said operator was coerced into doing it rather than doing so of their own volition. Quite a few laws are stricter in the books than most would find reasonable specifically because of that clarification being needed for one particular case where the general assumption did not apply."

"Yes, that is rather odd," Mallory mused with a frown, "Especially since witches were once thought by humans to gain their powers by consorting with demons. Though considering I'm friends with two of them, I don't think I will be getting a free pass either."

"Oh probably not, unless they think you're being charmed by them." Ms.Wilton replies with a smirk.

Well, don't give up! Lu says, followed by a "Yeah!" from Jessica. You're an awesome person, and I'm sure she'll be able to see that!

"That seems a bit pushy to me, if she's not interested, she's not interested." Ms.Smith replies.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 06:22 PM

"You're hurting my friend. Stop hurting her immediately," Kris says, his tone unyielding.

Illven

2016-07-25, 06:34 PM

"You're hurting my friend. Stop hurting her immediately," Kris says, his tone unyielding.

[Conflict check. ]

Illven

2016-07-25, 06:44 PM

"You're hurting my friend. Stop hurting her immediately," Kris says, his tone unyielding.

"She'll be fine, she's just playing wounded gazelle." Olivia's mom replies dismissively.

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 06:45 PM

"That was the plan. It didn't work as well as intended." Ms.Wilton replied.
"What happened?"

"Oh probably not, unless they think you're being charmed by them." Ms.Wilton replies with a smirk.
"Nope, she's been charmed by a regular human," Taika teases, giving a friendly elbow to Mal.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 06:47 PM

"She'll be fine, she's just playing wounded gazelle." Olivia's mom replies dismissively.

"Then you wouldn't mind releasing your death grip on her arm to show there's no forming bruise?" he asked sarcastically. "Oh wait, of course you'll mind, then your bull**** would be on display. Can't have that, miss 'totally not an abusive parent'."

Zevox

2016-07-25, 06:48 PM

"Then maybe you should take the hint when someone isn't interested," Taika says flatly, ignoring Effie's presence.
Tanya holds in a chuckle at that. She would never have been willing to actually say that to the Principal's face, but boy had she been thinking it. "Good on you," she whispered to Taika shortly after that remark.

The brief back-and-forth over the blonde succubus draws a raised eyebrow from her, though. "Uh, Scout? Did I miss somethin' about her that makes all the hushed talk here make sense?" she asked Mallory quietly, confused as to why her girlfriend was reacting to the other demon like she was Ms. Smith or Jessica when they'd never seen her before.

"Yeah, it's strange. They seem just fine with demons." Ms.Wilton muses.

"Yes, that is rather odd," Mallory mused with a frown, "Especially since witches were once thought by humans to gain their powers by consorting with demons. Though considering I'm friends with two of them, I don't think I will be getting a free pass either."
"Well, here's hopin'," Tanya said, stepping to Mal's side and moving to take her hand in a gesture of support that had become increasingly common since their first date. "The less trouble we have there, the better. And there's enough demons in this group that if they did have a problem with you, we'd be in a lot of trouble," she half-observed, half-joked.

Illven

2016-07-25, 07:00 PM

"What happened?"

"Nope, she's been charmed by a regular human," Taika teases, giving a friendly elbow to Mal.

"Racism is hard to deal with. A significant amount of the settlers felt they shouldn't have had to fight at all." Ms.Wilton explains.

"Then you wouldn't mind releasing your death grip on her arm to show there's no forming bruise?" he asked sarcastically. "Oh wait, of course you'll mind, then your bull**** would be on display. Can't have that, miss 'totally not an abusive parent'."

"It's not a death grip!" Olivia's mom shouts out, "It's a strong natural hold!"

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 07:03 PM

"Then why persist when they started the fighting in the first place? And why blame people who are centuries removed from said fighting?"

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 07:07 PM

"It's not a death grip!" Olivia's mom shouts out, "It's a strong natural hold!"

"I can't help but notice you're still not releasing your 'strong natural hold' to show there's no bruise," he replies, using air quotes.

Illven

2016-07-25, 07:34 PM

"Then why persist when they started the fighting in the first place? And why blame people who are centuries removed from said fighting?"

"Because you're thinking about it logically, they aren't." Ms.Wilton replies.

"I can't help but notice you're still not releasing your 'strong natural hold' to show there's no bruise," he replies, using air quotes.

"So she can run away again, fat chance!"

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 07:36 PM

"So she can run away again, fat chance!"

"It's telling that she when she 'ran away', she wasn't trying to get away from school, or other students, or even teachers, she was trying to get away from you. Pathetic."

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 07:45 PM

"Great. A town with a 300 year old grudge. Maybe I will just stay on the bus..."

Illven

2016-07-25, 07:48 PM

"It's telling that she when she 'ran away', she wasn't trying to get away from school, or other students, or even teachers, she was trying to get away from you. Pathetic."

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" She replies throwing Olivia's arm down and storming off.

"Great. A town with a 300 year old grudge. Maybe I will just stay on the bus..."

"I wouldn't blame you if you did." Ms.Wilton replies.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-25, 08:01 PM

"Nope, she's been charmed by a regular human," Taika teases, giving a friendly elbow to Mal.

Mallory felt her face grow a bit hot at the teasing, "Yes, um, not really being charmed by magic. So, uh, yeah I probably won't be well liked. Not that I will like them for messing with Taika and Agatha either."

Tanya holds in a chuckle at that. She would never have been willing to actually say that to the Principal's face, but boy had she been thinking it. "Good on you," she whispered to Taika shortly after that remark.

The brief back-and-forth over the blonde succubus draws a raised eyebrow from her, though. "Uh, Scout? Did I miss somethin' about her that makes all the hushed talk here make sense?" she asked Mallory quietly, confused as to why her girlfriend was reacting to the other demon like she was Ms. Smith or Jessica when they'd never seen her before.

"Well, here's hopin'," Tanya said, stepping to Mal's side and moving to take her hand in a gesture of support that had become increasingly common since their first date. "The less trouble we have there, the better. And there's enough demons in this group that if they did have a problem with you, we'd be in a lot of trouble," she half-observed, half-joked.

Mallory tenses up briefly as her hand is taken, but doesn't pull away, and relaxes a little once she notices who was holding it.

"Ms. Smith's favorite student, from the looks of it," Mallory whispered to Tanya, before responding to her more public statement with, "I suppose, though a group of demons safeguarding witches doesn't really do much to dispel any superstitions. And if they happen to have holy water with them, well... Suddenly the large number of demons becomes a weak spot."

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 08:02 PM

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" She replies throwing Olivia's arm down and storming off.

"You can run away from me, but you'll never be able to run away from yourself!!" he shouts after her. Once she's gone, his demeanor changes from antagonistic to worried, and he goes over to inspect Olivia for injuries, repaying her favor from earlier when she did the same. "Are you alright?" he asked worriedly.

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 08:04 PM

"It does help that a demon can be born to any of them, while being a witch is hereditary, near as I can tell."

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-25, 08:32 PM

"It does help that a demon can be born to any of them, while being a witch is hereditary, near as I can tell."

"I also do not believe that one person is capable of being both," Mallory stated, "Much to the disappointment of one of my past lives' father, I might add. Rather odd, when you think about it really, considering how similar humans and witches are."

Illven

2016-07-25, 08:37 PM

"You can run away from me, but you'll never be able to run away from yourself!!" he shouts after her. Once she's gone, his demeanor changes from antagonistic to worried, and he goes over to inspect Olivia for injuries, repaying her favor from earlier when she did the same. "Are you alright?" he asked worriedly.

"No...." Olivia says seeming about to cry, but physically fine.

"It does help that a demon can be born to any of them, while being a witch is hereditary, near as I can tell."

"That's also true as well." Ms.Wilton replies.

"I also do not believe that one person is capable of being both," Mallory stated, "Much to the disappointment of one of my past lives' father, I might add. Rather odd, when you think about it really, considering how similar humans and witches are."

"Hmm. What about similar humans and witches?" Nate says wandering over.

Necroticplague

2016-07-25, 08:38 PM

Q
Is that a use them on me, more often? Luna teases starting to nom P'ro'shi's neck.

P'ro'shi blushes a light cobalt at the suggestion. "Thirsty already? Guess it can't be helped..."

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 08:39 PM

"No...." Olivia says seeming about to cry, but physically fine.

Kris draws her into a hug. "How about we stick together today, keep each other company, hmm?" he asked kindly.

Illven

2016-07-25, 08:47 PM

P'ro'shi blushes a light cobalt at the suggestion. "Thirsty already? Guess it can't be helped..."

You hear a few wolf whistles as Luna bites down on your neck.

Kris draws her into a hug. "How about we stick together today, keep each other company, hmm?" he asked kindly.

"I... Yeah... Yeah... I'm sorry...." Olivia replies.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 08:51 PM

"I... Yeah... Yeah... I'm sorry...." Olivia replies.

"You have nothing you need to apologize for, she's the one that's wrong," he replied kindly (but firmly). "But let's put that unpleasantness behind us...mind telling me a bit about yourself? Hobbies, dreams, stuff like that?" he asked with a sweet smile.

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 08:51 PM

"You mean humans being born to witches? Unlikely, though without training we're normally indistinguishable, with a few exceptions, like Agatha's father."

Illven

2016-07-25, 09:04 PM

"You have nothing you need to apologize for, she's the one that's wrong," he replied kindly (but firmly). "But let's put that unpleasantness behind us...mind telling me a bit about yourself? Hobbies, dreams, stuff like that?" he asked with a sweet smile.

"Oh god, my hobbies are embarrassing." Olivia replies blushing, now chuckling a bit.

"You mean humans being born to witches? Unlikely, though without training we're normally indistinguishable, with a few exceptions, like Agatha's father."

"Usually that or reversed can be traced back to a dilute bloodline." Ms.Wilson replied.

Zevox

2016-07-25, 09:07 PM

"Nope, she's been charmed by a regular human," Taika teases, giving a friendly elbow to Mal.
Tanya rubs her neck slightly at that. "Uh, dunno if I'd say that. Yet. Th-though I kinda hope so..." she mutters. Charming... could she actually be charming? It didn't feel like it, but... Mal had seemed to like her romantic gestures on their date.

Mallory tenses up briefly as her hand is taken, but doesn't pull away, and relaxes a little once she notices who was holding it.

"Ms. Smith's favorite student, from the looks of it," Mallory whispered to Tanya, before responding to her more public statement with, "I suppose, though a group of demons safeguarding witches doesn't really do much to dispel any superstitions. And if they happen to have holy water with them, well... Suddenly the large number of demons becomes a weak spot."
Tanya still looked confused about the Succubus girl. "Just 'cause they were talkin' a bit?" she asks back.

At the other remark, she frowned and tensed up a bit, her hand tightening on Mal's as a desire to protect her came over her. "If they did anythin' like that, I don't think Ms. Smith and Taika's mom would just be callin' the trip offensive," she said, though she's obviously not entirely comforted by that logic. "That stuff's just damned dangerous, and nearly as much - or just as much? Ain't sure how that goes, honestly - to people like me as to you." From the look she was giving Mal, though it wasn't hard to guess that it wasn't concern for her own safety that was making her tense, at least not primarily.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 09:08 PM

"Oh god, my hobbies are embarrassing." Olivia replies blushing, now chuckling a bit.

He shrugged, his smile more at ease. "Mine aren't too normal either. Tell you what, how about mutually assured humiliation? You show me yours, and I show you mine?"

Illven

2016-07-25, 09:29 PM

Tanya rubs her neck slightly at that. "Uh, dunno if I'd say that. Yet. Th-though I kinda hope so..." she mutters. Charming... could she actually be charming? It didn't feel like it, but... Mal had seemed to like her romantic gestures on their date.

Tanya still looked confused about the Succubus girl. "Just 'cause they were talkin' a bit?" she asks back.

At the other remark, she frowned and tensed up a bit, her hand tightening on Mal's as a desire to protect her came over her. "If they did anythin' like that, I don't think Ms. Smith and Taika's mom would just be callin' the trip offensive," she said, though she's obviously not entirely comforted by that logic. "That stuff's just damned dangerous, and nearly as much - or just as much? Ain't sure how that goes, honestly - to people like me as to you." From the look she was giving Mal, though it wasn't hard to guess that it wasn't concern for her own safety that was making her tense, at least not primarily.

"Oh yeah, she was saying something about an essay competition. Ms.Smith was giving her pointers." Nate replied.

He shrugged, his smile more at ease. "Mine aren't too normal either. Tell you what, how about mutually assured humiliation? You show me yours, and I show you mine?"

"I... Really trashy romantic stuff." Olivia replied.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-25, 09:42 PM

"Hmm. What about similar humans and witches?" Nate says wandering over.

"Just some concerns about the trip," Mallory said icily, "Nothing you need to concern yourself about, though."

Tanya still looked confused about the Succubus girl. "Just 'cause they were talkin' a bit?" she asks back.

At the other remark, she frowned and tensed up a bit, her hand tightening on Mal's as a desire to protect her came over her. "If they did anythin' like that, I don't think Ms. Smith and Taika's mom would just be callin' the trip offensive," she said, though she's obviously not entirely comforted by that logic. "That stuff's just damned dangerous, and nearly as much - or just as much? Ain't sure how that goes, honestly - to people like me as to you." From the look she was giving Mal, though it wasn't hard to guess that it wasn't concern for her own safety that was making her tense, at least not primarily.

"That, and she got defensive when the girl was insulted," Mallory whispered.

"Depends on your religious affiliation," Mallory said, trying not to react too much to Tanya's hand squeeze in front of everyone, "And the religious affiliation of the angel in question. If you happen to match, it could actually be beneficial for you rather than harmful."

Illven

2016-07-25, 09:51 PM

"Just some concerns about the trip," Mallory said icily, "Nothing you need to concern yourself about, though."

"What concerns, is everything okay." Nate replied.

Zevox

2016-07-25, 10:13 PM

"Oh yeah, she was saying something about an essay competition. Ms.Smith was giving her pointers." Nate replied.
"Uh... okay. Not exactly who I'd think you'd want to go to for advice on that, but I guess if it was a history essay maybe..." Tanya remarked with a shrug.

"Just some concerns about the trip," Mallory said icily, "Nothing you need to concern yourself about, though."
Tanya frowned at the hostility in Mal's tone. She knew her girlfriend wasn't fond of Nate - she imagined that lately it was mostly over his one-off date with Agatha that hadn't gone well - but that didn't seem called for to her. But for the moment, engrossed in other topics she didn't speak up.

"That, and she got defensive when the girl was insulted," Mallory whispered.
Tanya frowned, this time in concern that Mal was actually overreacting here. "Uh, Scout, not to knock your instincts here, but that ain't much to go on. I mean, it did sound like you were knockin' her just for bein' what she is - which Ms. Smith is too and all. May notta been what you meant, but still sounded enough like it..." she said, giving Mal the benefit of the doubt on her earlier remark.

"Depends on your religious affiliation," Mallory said, trying not to react too much to Tanya's hand squeeze in front of everyone, "And the religious affiliation of the angel in question. If you happen to match, it could actually be beneficial for you rather than harmful."
Tanya shook her head. "I wouldn't bet there's many agnostic angels makin' holy water out there," she replied. "And really, there's so danged many religions out there they can never really be sure those things won't hurt anyone they used it on unless they knew 'em personally."

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-25, 10:38 PM

"What concerns, is everything okay." Nate replied.

"Just some racists that will probably be harassing Agatha and Taika," Mallory said, "Like I said, nothing you'd to worry about."

"Uh... okay. Not exactly who I'd think you'd want to go to for advice on that, but I guess if it was a history essay maybe..." Tanya remarked with a shrug.

Tanya frowned, this time in concern that Mal was actually overreacting here. "Uh, Scout, not to knock your instincts here, but that ain't much to go on. I mean, it did sound like you were knockin' her just for bein' what she is - which Ms. Smith is too and all. May notta been what you meant, but still sounded enough like it..." she said, giving Mal the benefit of the doubt on her earlier remark.

"It was a literature essay," Mallory said, "The Anthem, to be precise. And in case you forgot, Tanya, what they are is what I am as well."

Tanya shook her head. "I wouldn't bet there's many agnostic angels makin' holy water out there," she replied. "And really, there's so danged many religions out there they can never really be sure those things won't hurt anyone they used it on unless they knew 'em personally."

"You would be surprised," Mallory said, "It's not like either of our kinds knows where we come from. Although admittedly, there are a lot more agnostic and atheist demons than angels. A lot easier to be religious when you're usually seen as the good guy."

Illven

2016-07-25, 10:58 PM

"Just some racists that will probably be harassing Agatha and Taika," Mallory said, "Like I said, nothing you'd to worry about."

"Hey, maybe I'm not in physical danger. But Taika and Agatha are my friends, and if they are going to experience racism then I do care." Nate replied emphatically.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-25, 10:59 PM

"I... Really trashy romantic stuff." Olivia replied.

"Is that so? I prefer comics, myself, but I read a lot of stuff...and I tend to end up drawing some kind of fanart if I really like it. It usually not very good, but I enjoy drawing interesting characters meeting, or fighting, or...other stuff." He clears his throat a bit. "It's not all...not exactly appropriate, I mean."

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-25, 11:09 PM

"Hey, maybe I'm not in physical danger. But Taika and Agatha are my friends, and if they are going to experience racism then I do care." Nate replied emphatically.

"Uh huh," Mallory said skeptically, "And I assume this... Effie girl, she's a 'friend' too?"

Illven

2016-07-25, 11:15 PM

"Is that so? I prefer comics, myself, but I read a lot of stuff...and I tend to end up drawing some kind of fanart if I really like it. It usually not very good, but I enjoy drawing interesting characters meeting, or fighting, or...other stuff." He clears his throat a bit. "It's not all...not exactly appropriate, I mean."

"I tend to ship my friends." Olivia replies. "And classmates." She adds blushing.

"Uh huh," Mallory said skeptically, "And I assume this... Effie girl, she's a 'friend' too?"

"Well I mean. I kinda of." Nate started to reply. "But wait how is that relevant? Do they hate demons as well?"

Esprit15

2016-07-25, 11:16 PM

Taika just silently watches the exchange between her ex and her friend, waiting to see where this all went.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-25, 11:34 PM

"Well I mean. I kinda of." Nate started to reply. "But wait how is that relevant? Do they hate demons as well?"

"Only ones that like witches," Mallory explained, her eyes narrowing in anger, "So if she doesn't have any witch friends, she should be fine. As will you, if you stick with her."

Zevox

2016-07-25, 11:39 PM

"It was a literature essay," Mallory said, "The Anthem, to be precise. And in case you forgot, Tanya, what they are is what I am as well."
"I meant that they're Succubi," Tanya answered, a bit surprised that she had to clarify. "Sure sounded like that's what Ms. Smith thought you were gettin' at, from what she said back."

"Though, yeah, a lit essay sure don't sound like anythin' I'd expect anyone to go to her for help with," she admitted.

"You would be surprised," Mallory said, "It's not like either of our kinds knows where we come from. Although admittedly, there are a lot more agnostic and atheist demons than angels. A lot easier to be religious when you're usually seen as the good guy."
"Guess that's probably true, yeah," Tanya said, to both remarks. "Still, I don't think many people'd wanna take risks with that stuff if they could help it. "

Illven

2016-07-25, 11:47 PM

"Only ones that like witches," Mallory explained, her eyes narrowing in anger, "So if she doesn't have any witch friends, she should be fine. As will you, if you stick with her."

"I'm not going to leave my friends in the middle of a racist mob!" Nate replied stepping forward.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-25, 11:57 PM

"I meant that they're Succubi," Tanya answered, a bit surprised that she had to clarify. "Sure sounded like that's what Ms. Smith thought you were gettin' at, from what she said back."

"Though, yeah, a lit essay sure don't sound like anythin' I'd expect anyone to go to her for help with," she admitted.

"Oh, that," Mallory said with a frown, her voice dropping down low again now that Nate was here, "Well, no, of course that wasn't it. But you know how I feel about Ms. Smith, and the idea that she might be grooming a protégé of her own..." She shudders at the thought.

"The good news is that thanks to Ms. Smith's 'help', she's probably not going to win the competition anyway."

"Guess that's probably true, yeah," Tanya said, to both remarks. "Still, I don't think many people'd wanna take risks with that stuff if they could help it. "

"A tight-knit community that shares a common religion or religious group might not consider it a risk though," Mallory said, "They might even see it as a benefit, since when used on the right people holy and unholy water can heal people, or weed out pretenders. But yes, it's not something one who is concerned with the safety of other would want to carry around as anything less than a self-defense tool. It's why I only enchant the water I carry when I actually need it."

"I'm not going to leave my friends in the middle of a racist mob!" Nate replied stepping forward.

"Well excuse me for not having a whole lot of faith in that statement," Mallory replied, for once not being the one to raise her voice, "You can say that all you want, but from what I have seen of your actions, I'm not sure you will be able to live up to it if the time actually comes for you to do so."

AvatarVecna

2016-07-26, 12:32 AM

"I tend to ship my friends." Olivia replies. "And classmates." She adds blushing.

"Shipping classmates, huh?" he asked. "I don't suppose I'm sailing any of those ships, am I?" he teased.

Illven

2016-07-26, 12:36 AM

"Well excuse me for not having a whole lot of faith in that statement," Mallory replied, for once not being the one to raise her voice, "You can say that all you want, but from what I have seen of your actions, I'm not sure you will be able to live up to it if the time actually comes for you to do so."

Nate seems about to say something before Mrs.Malone comes over.

"Mallory Malone! There is no reason to be so nasty to the boy. He is trying to show support, and you are stomping it into the ground. Apologize." She insists looking very upset.

"Don't bother, I know you won't mean it anyway." Nate replies.

Illven

2016-07-26, 12:39 AM

"Shipping classmates, huh?" he asked. "I don't suppose I'm sailing any of those ships, am I?" he teased.

"Well what are you into.... I mean you are an incubus right?" Olivia admits staring a bit.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-26, 12:45 AM

Nate seems about to say something before Mrs.Malone comes over.

"Mallory Malone! There is no reason to be so nasty to the boy. He is trying to show support, and you are stomping it into the ground. Apologize." She insists looking very upset.

"Don't bother, I know you won't mean it anyway." Nate replies.

Mallory looks absolutely shocked at her mother's outburst, to the point where at first she's rendered speechless. Her first instinct was to try and defend her actions, explain to her what kind of person Nate was. But if her mother was actually willing to talk to her like that... She must have crossed a line somewhere. She wasn't sure where, but she must have.

She bowed her head down low, too ashamed to look at anyone at the moment.

"...Sorry," she muttered in a low voice, though like Nate suspected it was an apology meant more for her mother than him.

Illven

2016-07-26, 12:52 AM

Mallory looks absolutely shocked at her mother's outburst, to the point where at first she's rendered speechless. Her first instinct was to try and defend her actions. But if her mother was actually willing to talk to her like that...

She bowed her head down low, too ashamed to look at anyone at the moment.

"...Sorry," she muttered in a low voice, though like Nate suspected it was an apology meant more for her mother than him.

"Doesn't matter." Nate replies which earns him a glare from Mrs.Malone.

Nate clasps Taika's and Agatha's hands in his. "If you two need anything today, please don't hesitate to ask." He says sincerely.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-26, 12:59 AM

"Well what are you into.... I mean you are an incubus right?" Olivia admits staring a bit.

Kris shrugged. "As long as whoever else is involved is interested, I'm willing to try just about anything."

Illven

2016-07-26, 01:03 AM

Kris shrugged. "As long as whoever else is involved is interested, I'm willing to try just about anything."

"You and one of the teachers?" Olivia teased with a wink.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-26, 01:04 AM

"You and one of the teachers?" Olivia teased with a wink.

"Deliciously taboo," he replied with a smirk. "Any particular teacher in mind for this fantasy, or is it a purely hypothetical question?"

Esprit15

2016-07-26, 01:05 AM

Taika says nothing, just nodding, not wanting to play into the conflict between the two. She agreed with Malory, but at the same time, she didn't want to throw Nate under the bus. If things weren't going to work with Agatha, then that was that. She seemed happy with Ethan, after all. Was just a shame that Effie was pretty obviously going to be awful and not having any plans beyond grabbing him then dumping him... She'd have to ask him about that later.

Illven

2016-07-26, 01:15 AM

"Deliciously taboo," he replied with a smirk. "Any particular teacher in mind for this fantasy, or is it a purely hypothetical question?"

"Hypothetical. I can get back to you with specifics later." Olivia offers.

Taika says nothing, just nodding, not wanting to play into the conflict between the two. She agreed with Malory, but at the same time, she didn't want to throw Nate under the bus. If things weren't going to work with Agatha, then that was that. She seemed happy with Ethan, after all. Was just a shame that Effie was pretty obviously going to be awful and not having any plans beyond grabbing him then dumping him... She'd have to ask him about that later.

"So any idea why we're making this trip?" Nate asks letting go of your hand slightly after he lets go of Agathas.

"Apparently the school board is a bunch of idiots, and is making us go." Ethan adds.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-26, 01:42 AM

"Doesn't matter." Nate replies which earns him a glare from Mrs.Malone.

Nate clasps Taika's and Agatha's hands in his. "If you two need anything today, please don't hesitate to ask." He says sincerely.

"...Yeah, same..." Mallory muttered, the fight taken out of her.

"Um, maybe I should check when we're going to leave," she said, backing away from the group, "I'll... I'll be right back."

She starts to leave, then realizes who she would have to ask about that: her. Mallory winced at the thought, "On second thought, um... Never mind."

Despite no longer having an excuse to leave, Mallory did maintain her distance from the rest of the group, keeping an eye on the bus doors.

Esprit15

2016-07-26, 01:43 AM

Illven

2016-07-26, 01:44 AM

"...Yeah, same..." Mallory muttered, the fight taken out of her.

"Um, maybe I should check when we're going to leave," she said, backing away from the group, "I'll... I'll be right back."

She starts to leave, then realizes who she would have to ask about that: her. Mallory winced at the thought, "On second thought, um... Never mind."

Despite no longer having an excuse to leave, Mallory did maintain her distance from the rest of the group, keeping an eye on the bus doors.

[Give me a luck check. ]

AvatarVecna

2016-07-26, 01:50 AM

"Hypothetical. I can get back to you with specifics later." Olivia offers.

Kris nodded. "Sounds like fun to me. Oh! Would you be interested in looking at some of my drawings? Uh, the appropriate ones, anyway? We could skip past the others if you wanted to..." he trails off.

Illven

2016-07-26, 01:58 AM

Kris nodded. "Sounds like fun to me. Oh! Would you be interested in looking at some of my drawings? Uh, the appropriate ones, anyway? We could skip past the others if you wanted to..." he trails off.

"Sure, do you have them on you?" Olivia asked eagerly.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-26, 02:04 AM

"Sure, do you have them on you?" Olivia asked eagerly.

Kris nods. "Yeah, I've got my sketching notebook with me," he replied, digging it out of his backpack. "They're not great, but I'm getting better."

Illven

2016-07-26, 02:16 AM

"I assume they view it like going on a visit to Pearl Harbor - a historical site where their ancestors fought and died against a group who at the time was not considered part of their nation... Partly because the nation that we are in now didn't even exist yet."

"Yeah, but I'm pretty sure the area around Pearl Harbor isn't anti-Japanese." Nate points out.

Kris nods. "Yeah, I've got my sketching notebook with me," he replied, digging it out of his backpack. "They're not great, but I'm getting better."

[How good are they, and what are they of? ]

Esprit15

2016-07-26, 02:20 AM

"No, they aren't, because they're adults and can get over events that happened in the past."

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-26, 02:44 AM

Mallory stuck close to some of the other adults, silently hoping that being by the chaperones and ready to board would make sure she could get on the bus before those she wanted to avoid realized here she was going.

Luck, Connections? (+2), +2 total if it applies.

[roll0]

Illven

2016-07-26, 03:13 AM

"No, they aren't, because they're adults and can get over events that happened in the past."

"So going to pearl harbor makes sense, but not Salem. What if one of you two get assaulted?" Nate asks worried.

Mallory stuck close to some of the other adults, silently hoping that being by the chaperones and ready to board would make sure she could get on the bus before those she wanted to avoid realized here she was going.

Luck, Connections? (+2), +2 total if it applies.

[roll0]

"Hey, are you okay, Mallory?" Ms.Broderick asks concerned putting a hand on your shoulder.

Esprit15

2016-07-26, 03:20 AM

Taika looks over at her mother, and smiles. "They can try."

Illven

2016-07-26, 03:23 AM

Taika looks over at her mother, and smiles. "They can try."

"Well I hope nothing happens." Nate replies.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-26, 04:13 AM

"Hey, are you okay, Mallory?" Ms.Broderick asks concerned putting a hand on your shoulder.

"I'm fine," Mallory said, "Just can't be around Nate right now. Or Ms. Smith. Or that new girl 'Effie'. I just want to get on the bus and get going so I can hopefully shut them out without someone walking up and calling me racist or something."

Necroticplague

2016-07-26, 09:59 AM

You hear a few wolf whistles as Luna bites down on your neck.

P'ro'shi seems to relax a good bit as the deefing goe son, some of her muslces going slack as she waits for Luna to be done, disregarding the weird onlookers.

JNAProductions

2016-07-26, 12:46 PM

"That seems a bit pushy to me, if she's not interested, she's not interested." Ms.Smith replies.

That's fair. In fact... Um... Jessica?

"Don't give up so easily, Ms. Smith. I mean, yeah, don't be pushy about it, but come on! You guys would be great together!" she says.

Yeah! Just don't give up! If she's really not interested, then oh well, but make sure!

Illven

2016-07-26, 01:54 PM

"I'm fine," Mallory said, "Just can't be around Nate right now. Or Ms. Smith. Or that new girl 'Effie'. I just want to get on the bus and get going so I can hopefully shut them out without someone walking up and calling me racist or something."

"What did this Effie do?" Ms.Broderick asks.

P'ro'shi seems to relax a good bit as the deefing goe son, some of her muslces going slack as she waits for Luna to be done, disregarding the weird onlookers.

Luna does finish up quickly.

There's probably a good few seafood puns in there. Luna comments.

That's fair. In fact... Um... Jessica?

"Don't give up so easily, Ms. Smith. I mean, yeah, don't be pushy about it, but come on! You guys would be great together!" she says.

Yeah! Just don't give up! If she's really not interested, then oh well, but make sure!

"So you think it's just because her daughter is around?" Ms.Smith muses finger on lips.

JNAProductions

2016-07-26, 02:07 PM

"So you think it's just because her daughter is around?" Ms.Smith muses finger on lips.

Maybe! It's worth a shot at least, right?

Illven

2016-07-26, 02:20 PM

Maybe! It's worth a shot at least, right?

"Quite possibly. I'll consider it." Ms.Smith replies.

JNAProductions

2016-07-26, 02:29 PM

"Quite possibly. I'll consider it." Ms.Smith replies.

We got your back!

"Yeah!" Jessica adds. "Need any help, just ask us."

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-26, 03:01 PM

"What did this Effie do?" Ms.Broderick asks.

"Well, nothing yet," Mallory admitted, "At least, nothing I can prove. But both Ms. Smith and Nate really like her. So she can't be the kind of person I would want to hang out with, right? She certainly wouldn't like me, considering she also likes hanging out with the kind of people who didn't want me to come to Jen's party."

Illven

2016-07-26, 03:02 PM

We got your back!

"Yeah!" Jessica adds. "Need any help, just ask us."

"And how do you intend to have my back?" Ms.Smith questioned.

[QUOTE=Illven;21038826]"What did this Effie do?" Ms.Broderick asks.[ma/QUOTE]

"Well, nothing yet," Mallory admitted, "At least, nothing I can prove. But both Ms. Smith and Nate really like her. So she can't be the kind of person I would want to hang out with, right? She certainly wouldn't like me, considering she also likes hanging out with the kind of people who didn't want me to come to Jen's party."

"Didn't Agatha do two of those things?" Ms.Broderick replies.

JNAProductions

2016-07-26, 03:04 PM

"And how do you intend to have my back?" Ms.Smith questioned.

No idea! But we got it! Lu says.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-26, 03:12 PM

"Didn't Agatha do two of those things?" Ms.Broderick replies.

"What do you mean by that?" Mallory asked skeptically.

Illven

2016-07-26, 03:16 PM

No idea! But we got it! Lu says.

"That doesn't inspire confidence." Ms.Smith points out.

"What do you mean by that?" Mallory asked skeptically.

"Be friends with Nate, and go to the party?" Ms.Broderick points out.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-26, 04:44 PM

"Be friends with Nate, and go to the party?" Ms.Broderick points out.

"But Nate never liked her back," Mallory pointed out, "And she went to the party, but only because her other friends were going, myself included. She's not friends with the host or the rest of the baseball team like Effie."

JNAProductions

2016-07-26, 04:46 PM

"That doesn't inspire confidence." Ms.Smith points out.

That's because you don't need extra confidence. You're smart, pretty, have a good job, and lots of adoring students. Why would you need more than that to be self-assured? Lu asks.

Illven

2016-07-26, 05:05 PM

"But Nate never liked her back," Mallory pointed out, "And she went to the party, but only because her other friends were going, myself included. She's not friends with the host or the rest of the baseball team like Effie."

"Her and Nate aren't friends. They seem to be talking right now." Ms.Broderick rreplies.

That's because you don't need extra confidence. You're smart, pretty, have a good job, and lots of adoring students. Why would you need more than that to be self-assured? Lu asks.

"Um.... Sure, let's go with that." Ms.Smith replies.

JNAProductions

2016-07-26, 05:28 PM

"Um.... Sure, let's go with that." Ms.Smith replies.

Lu just smiles and gives a thumbs up.

Zevox

2016-07-26, 05:38 PM

"Oh, that," Mallory said with a frown, her voice dropping down low again now that Nate was here, "Well, no, of course that wasn't it. But you know how I feel about Ms. Smith, and the idea that she might be grooming a protégé of her own..." She shudders at the thought.

"The good news is that thanks to Ms. Smith's 'help', she's probably not going to win the competition anyway."
Tanya frowned, continuing to be concerned. "Yeah, but..." she began, but was cut off as Mal's argument with Nate escalated. She was going to speak up and try to calm Mal down, but then her mom showed up. Tanya released her girlfriend's hand for a moment as she walked away, hesitating on whether to follow - but it was just a moment.

She caught up with her speaking with Ms. Broderick, which caused a longer moment of hesitation - she didn't normally like butting in where a teacher was involved. But at some point she was going to get noticed, and if she was just standing there awkwardly... yeah, no, not happening. "Hey, Scout? You doin' okay? Need to talk?" she spoke up as she approached the rest of the way.

Illven

2016-07-26, 06:18 PM

Lu just smiles and gives a thumbs up.

"I mean I'm not going to do anything right now." Ms.Smith replies.

JNAProductions

2016-07-26, 06:26 PM

"I mean I'm not going to do anything right now." Ms.Smith replies.

Okay, Lu says.

Illven

2016-07-26, 06:31 PM

Okay, Lu says.

"Are you ready for the trip?" Ms.Smith asks with a smile.

JNAProductions

2016-07-26, 06:34 PM

"Are you ready for the trip?" Ms.Smith asks with a smile.

Yeah, of course! It's, um, witchy place, right?

"Salem," Jessica says.

Salem, right! That's why I wanted to dress as Geralt!

Necroticplague

2016-07-26, 06:47 PM

Luna does finish up quickly.

There's probably a good few seafood puns in there. Luna comments.

With a moment of delay from her own innervated state, P'ro'shi returns a smirk "I can think of some times when it's much more appropriate, though we're in a bit too polite company for it."

Illven

2016-07-26, 06:52 PM

Kris nods. "Yeah, I've got my sketching notebook with me," he replied, digging it out of his backpack. "They're not great, but I'm getting better."

"Damn these are good. Not exactly sure why'd they be embarrassing but." Olivia comments.

Yeah, of course! It's, um, witchy place, right?

"Salem," Jessica says.

Salem, right! That's why I wanted to dress as Geralt!

"Who?" Ms.Smith replies confused.

With a moment of delay from her own innervated state, P'ro'shi returns a smirk "I can think of some times when it's much more appropriate, though we're in a bit too polite company for it."

Too polite for puns? Luna asks cocking her head.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-26, 06:55 PM

"Damn these are good. Not exactly sure why'd they be embarrassing but." Olivia comments.

It's mostly the content. I'm more of a fan of the original comics than the movies, but the movie designs tend to be more dynamic than the comics, which I usually end up mimicking; beyond that, the more...risque ones are closer to the 'embarrassing' side of things. Besides, I've still got some serious issues getting perspective and reflections right, I usually end up either taking forever or just giving up and half-assing it when I need to do those...which is often."

JNAProductions

2016-07-26, 06:56 PM

"Who?" Ms.Smith replies confused.

He's that guy from the Witcher series. It's okay, you probably don't know. You're old, after all.

"Um, Lu?"

What?

"You just called her old."

Well she is! I mean, how else would she have all her experience and wisdom?

Illven

2016-07-26, 07:53 PM

It's mostly the content. I'm more of a fan of the original comics than the movies, but the movie designs tend to be more dynamic than the comics, which I usually end up mimicking; beyond that, the more...risque ones are closer to the 'embarrassing' side of things. Besides, I've still got some serious issues getting perspective and reflections right, I usually end up either taking forever or just giving up and half-assing it when I need to do those...which is often."

"I suppose you don't carry that on you?" Olivia replied with a grin.

He's that guy from the Witcher series. It's okay, you probably don't know. You're old, after all.

"Um, Lu?"

What?

"You just called her old."

Well she is! I mean, how else would she have all her experience and wisdom?

"I'm not old, I'm 33." Ms.Smith replies in way of explanation.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-26, 07:57 PM

"I suppose you don't carry that on you?" Olivia replied with a grin.

"That...stuff is near the back. It's a little unfocused though. I mean, same characters, and still like meeting up and wrestling and stuff, but it's...it's pretty similar actually, except they don't have clothes or costumes...and sometimes stuff besides fighting happens." Kris has a solid blush going, and seems to be trying to disappear into his jacket.

JNAProductions

2016-07-26, 07:58 PM

"I'm not old, I'm 33." Ms.Smith replies in way of explanation.

See? Why are you calling her old, Jessica?

"But-you called her old!"

Oh, right. You should probably yell at me, then.

Illven

2016-07-26, 08:02 PM

"That...stuff is near the back. It's a little unfocused though. I mean, same characters, and still like meeting up and wrestling and stuff, but it's...it's pretty similar actually, except they don't have clothes or costumes...and sometimes stuff besides fighting happens." Kris has a solid blush going, and seems to be trying to disappear into his jacket.

"Right, wrestling." Olivia replied with a smirk and a wink.

See? Why are you calling her old, Jessica?

"But-you called her old!"

Oh, right. You should probably yell at me, then.

"I'm not going to yell at you. If you get yelled at for being mistaken you won't want to come to school." Ms.Smith replies.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-26, 08:07 PM

"Her and Nate aren't friends. They seem to be talking right now." Ms.Broderick replies.

"Well, yeah, but he's mostly talking to Taika," Mallory said, "And besides, I know Agatha and I know Nate. She's a sweet girl too nice for her own good sometimes, and he's just butting in to make himself look good."

Tanya frowned, continuing to be concerned. "Yeah, but..." she began, but was cut off as Mal's argument with Nate escalated. She was going to speak up and try to calm Mal down, but then her mom showed up. Tanya released her girlfriend's hand for a moment as she walked away, hesitating on whether to follow - but it was just a moment.

She caught up with her speaking with Ms. Broderick, which caused a longer moment of hesitation - she didn't normally like butting in where a teacher was involved. But at some point she was going to get noticed, and if she was just standing there awkwardly... yeah, no, not happening. "Hey, Scout? You doin' okay? Need to talk?" she spoke up as she approached the rest of the way.

"I... I'm fine," Mallory said, having a harder time maintaining her composure around Tanya, "I just couldn't stay there any longer. Not with him there."

AvatarVecna

2016-07-26, 08:10 PM

"Right, wrestling." Olivia replied with a smirk and a wink.

"Yeah, right," he nodded, still not really meeting her eyes with his own nervous peepers. As he's glancing around, he notices some people starting to go over to the bus. "Maybe we could keep looking on the ride over? It looks like we might be loading up soon." he asked.

JNAProductions

2016-07-26, 08:19 PM

"I'm not going to yell at you. If you get yelled at for being mistaken you won't want to come to school." Ms.Smith replies.

No, I meant Jessica.

"Aw. You're too cute to yell at-besides, I know you're harmless."

Zevox

2016-07-26, 08:25 PM

"I... I'm fine," Mallory said, having a harder time maintaining her composure around Tanya, "I just couldn't stay there any longer. Not with him there."
Tanya frowned. Mal's attitude towards Nate was something she'd never really fully understood. She'd told her once that he was a coward, but Tanya didn't really see that in him, and didn't know why Mal would think so badly of him for it to begin with. And apparently it had gotten worse, with his recent abortive date with Agatha.

And she knew she'd need to get her to talk about it after that. Taking a breath, she moved up next to Mal, took her hand again, and said, "Scout... look, I'm glad you ain't too upset. But, well, hate to say it, but your mom was kinda right back there. What was up with all that? Nate didn't do anythin' to deserve you bein' so, well, hostile to him all the time there."

Illven

2016-07-26, 08:36 PM

"Well, yeah, but he's mostly talking to Taika," Mallory said, "And besides, I know Agatha and I know Nate. She's a sweet girl too nice for her own good sometimes, and he's just butting in to make himself look good."

"I... I'm fine," Mallory said, having a harder time maintaining her composure around Tanya, "I just couldn't stay there any longer. Not with him there."

Tanya frowned. Mal's attitude towards Nate was something she'd never really fully understood. She'd told her once that he was a coward, but Tanya didn't really see that in him, and didn't know why Mal would think so badly of him for it to begin with. And apparently it had gotten worse, with his recent abortive date with Agatha.

And she knew she'd need to get her to talk about it after that. Taking a breath, she moved up next to Mal, took her hand again, and said, "Scout... look, I'm glad you ain't too upset. But, well, hate to say it, but your mom was kinda right back there. What was up with all that? Nate didn't do anythin' to deserve you bein' so, well, hostile to him all the time there."

"Why do you say he's just buttin in to make himself look good." Ms.Broderick replies.

"Yeah, right," he nodded, still not really meeting her eyes with his own nervous peepers. As he's glancing around, he notices some people starting to go over to the bus. "Maybe we could keep looking on the ride over? It looks like we might be loading up soon." he asked.

"Oh shall we... Oh hey I know her." Olivia replies pointing at Tanya.

No, I meant Jessica.

"Aw. You're too cute to yell at-besides, I know you're harmless."

"Students shouldn't be yelling at each other." Ms.Smith replies.

JNAProductions

2016-07-26, 08:37 PM

"Students shouldn't be yelling at each other." Ms.Smith replies.

Good thing I'm cute, then!

AvatarVecna

2016-07-26, 08:39 PM

"Oh shall we... Oh hey I know her." Olivia replies pointing at Tanya.

"Let's say 'hi' then?" he asked, closing his notebook and stowing it back in his pack. "Unless she's not a friend, of course."

Necroticplague

2016-07-26, 09:16 PM

Too polite for puns? Luna asks cocking her head.

P'ro'shi shakes her head at the misinterpretation of what her statement applied to. "No. Never too polite for puns. Just not in the right company to discuss the situation when those particular ones make the most sense." To make the point a bit more clear she holds up her hand in a little peace sign in front of her mouth and sticks her tongue out.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-26, 09:18 PM

Tanya frowned. Mal's attitude towards Nate was something she'd never really fully understood. She'd told her once that he was a coward, but Tanya didn't really see that in him, and didn't know why Mal would think so badly of him for it to begin with. And apparently it had gotten worse, with his recent abortive date with Agatha.

And she knew she'd need to get her to talk about it after that. Taking a breath, she moved up next to Mal, took her hand again, and said, "Scout... look, I'm glad you ain't too upset. But, well, hate to say it, but your mom was kinda right back there. What was up with all that? Nate didn't do anythin' to deserve you bein' so, well, hostile to him all the time there."

"...I know," Mallory admitted, looking at the ground again, "He shouldn't have been coming by like he actually cared like that... But I went too far. Why I'm over here instead of over there."

"Why do you say he's just buttin in to make himself look good." Ms.Broderick replies.

"Because he hasn't shown that much care before," Mallory said, "At least not for Agatha. And I know he doesn't mean it. If something goes wrong and things get hostile, he's going to be one of the first ones running the other way."

Illven

2016-07-26, 09:25 PM

P'ro'shi shakes her head at the misinterpretation of what her statement applied to. "No. Never too polite for puns. Just not in the right company to discuss the situation when those particular ones make the most sense." To make the point a bit more clear she holds up her hand in a little peace sign in front of her mouth and sticks her tongue out.

Ah, sorry for misunderstanding. Luna replied with a bow.

So think we'll meet any cute pioneers? She teases.

"...I know," Mallory admitted, looking at the ground again, "He shouldn't have been coming by like he actually cared like that... But I went too far. Why I'm over here instead of over there."

"Because he hasn't shown that much care before," Mallory said, "At least not for Agatha. And I know he doesn't mean it. If something goes wrong and things get hostile, he's going to be one of the first ones running the other way."

"What do you... Oh." Ms.Broderick stops before realizing. "Has Agatha or Nate ever dealt with racists before?"

Esprit15

2016-07-26, 09:35 PM

"Well I hope nothing happens." Nate replies.

"I'm hopeful, but doubtful. I just hope you prove Malory wrong if it is necessary," Taika says, voice expressing a hint of skepticism at her latter comment.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-26, 09:36 PM

"What do you... Oh." Ms.Broderick stops before realizing. "Has Agatha or Nate ever dealt with racists before?"

"Agatha's dealt with her father before," Mallory said, "But she didn't even know she was a witch until a couple of months ago, so she hasn't dealt with any directed at her. And I don't know about Nate."

Illven

2016-07-26, 10:04 PM

"I'm hopeful, but doubtful. I just hope you prove Malory wrong if it is necessary," Taika says, voice expressing a hint of skepticism at her latter comment.

Nate does noticeably frown at that.

"Why does no one trust me?"

"Agatha's dealt with her father before," Mallory said, "But she didn't even know she was a witch until a couple of months ago, so she hasn't dealt with any directed at her. And I don't know about Nate."

"So... why are you so doubtful, maybe it'll be Agatha that'll buckle under pressure." Ms.Broderick replies.

Zevox

2016-07-26, 10:12 PM

"...I know," Mallory admitted, looking at the ground again, "He shouldn't have been coming by like he actually cared like that... But I went too far. Why I'm over here instead of over there."

"Because he hasn't shown that much care before," Mallory said, "At least not for Agatha. And I know he doesn't mean it. If something goes wrong and things get hostile, he's going to be one of the first ones running the other way."
Tanya is glad to hear Mal admit that. She was a little afraid this would become their first argument. But... what she was saying still didn't ring true to Tanya. So, she replied, "I'm glad you see that. But, honestly? Why do you think he doesn't care?" she asked, genuinely confused. "I mean, look, I know he hurt Cereza a bit, gettin' her hopes up with the date and then callin' it quits right after. But she said Taika's the one that convinced him to do it, right? I dunno how she did that, but I ain't surprised it worked out like it did - whenever I talked to him before, I got the impression he just wasn't interested in her that way. And trust me, tryin' to force that when you ain't feelin' it really don't work," she said with certainty.

"But well, just 'cause he ain't interested in datin' her don't mean he can't think of her as a friend. I mean, when she first introduced me to him, he did seem perfectly happy to see her - just not as happy as she was, havin' a crush on him. And I gotta be honest, I ain't really seen anything outta him that makes me think he's some big coward. I mean, heck, he just argued with you an' didn't back down, and that ain't nothin' - you're a tough one when you're like that, girl," she said with a small smile.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-26, 10:37 PM

"So... why are you so doubtful, maybe it'll be Agatha that'll buckle under pressure." Ms.Broderick replies.

"It'd be different for her though," Mallory explained, "Considering she'd be the target, she's the one who needs protecting, not the one who needs to protect someone. Her running wouldn't be as cowardly, especially since myself and others would be covering her. I would want her to get away from them."

"Nate, on the other hand, is vowing to protect them. If he runs, he breaks his word, and proves he doesn't care enough about them to put his safety on the line for them. Not to mention, if she thinks he's protecting her and he ditches her, it puts Agatha in danger. Thus, my issue with him."

Tanya is glad to hear Mal admit that. She was a little afraid this would become their first argument. But... what she was saying still didn't ring true to Tanya. So, she replied, "I'm glad you see that. But, honestly? Why do you think he doesn't care?" she asked, genuinely confused. "I mean, look, I know he hurt Cereza a bit, gettin' her hopes up with the date and then callin' it quits right after. But she said Taika's the one that convinced him to do it, right? I dunno how she did that, but I ain't surprised it worked out like it did - whenever I talked to him before, I got the impression he just wasn't interested in her that way. And trust me, tryin' to force that when you ain't feelin' it really don't work," she said with certainty.

"But well, just 'cause he ain't interested in datin' her don't mean he can't think of her as a friend. I mean, when she first introduced me to him, he did seem perfectly happy to see her - just not as happy as she was, havin' a crush on him. And I gotta be honest, I ain't really seen anything outta him that makes me think he's some big coward. I mean, heck, he just argued with you an' didn't back down, and that ain't nothin' - you're a tough one when you're like that, girl," she said with a small smile.

"Oh really?" Mallory said, her voice welling with anger as she started ranting, "I suppose he didn't tell you that when he first started dating Taika, he avoided Agatha for nearly a month solely because he didn't want to face me, even though talking to her would have saved her a lot of heartbreak. And he then broke up with Taika when she became a vampire, and just as easily caved to peer pressure to get back together with her in the span of a week. And of course, he was too afraid to just tell Agatha he didn't like her and put her down, instead letting her get her hopes up, then taking her out on a date due to peer pressure again, and dumped her when her obligation was complete. So forgive me if I feel like he isn't dependable or able to stand his ground, because so far he hasn't done a damn thing to prove otherwise to me."

Esprit15

2016-07-26, 10:52 PM

"She's sour about the date with Agatha going poorly. To be fair, I'm a bit disappointed as well, but hey, you prefer the succubus to her, can't say I'm surprised." Just disappointed. She had thought his standards were higher.

Illven

2016-07-26, 11:12 PM

Zevox

2016-07-26, 11:24 PM

"Oh really?" Mallory said, her voice welling with anger as she started ranting, "I suppose he didn't tell you that when he first started dating Taika, he avoided Agatha for nearly a month solely because he didn't want to face me, even though talking to her would have saved her a lot of heartbreak. And he then broke up with Taika when she became a vampire, and just as easily caved to peer pressure to get back together with her in the span of a week. And of course, he was too afraid to just tell Agatha he didn't like her and put her down, instead letting her get her hopes up, then taking her out on a date due to peer pressure again, and dumped her when her obligation was complete. So forgive me if I feel like he isn't dependable or able to stand his ground, because so far he hasn't done a damn thing to prove otherwise to me."
Tanya is a bit stunned by all that. "I... okay, yeah, that's a heck of a lot of stuff I didn't know," she admits. "But, alright, so dude's made mistakes and been afraid to do stuff he shoulda before, and yeah, I sure can't blame you for bein' skeptical about him protectin' people in that case. But still, that ain't the same as him not carin'. And, like I said, he was facin' you and not backin' down not a few minutes ago, and that one of the things you just said he was afraid to do at one point, so might be he's gettin' better, too."

"Just, try not to be so hard on him? He seems like a decent dude, just not very brave. But does he really deserve to get chewed out like that over that and whatever mistakes he's made when he's tryin' to show support for people he cares about?" she asks.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-26, 11:41 PM

Tanya is a bit stunned by all that. "I... okay, yeah, that's a heck of a lot of stuff I didn't know," she admits. "But, alright, so dude's made mistakes and been afraid to do stuff he shoulda before, and yeah, I sure can't blame you for bein' skeptical about him protectin' people in that case. But still, that ain't the same as him not carin'. And, like I said, he was facin' you and not backin' down not a few minutes ago, and that one of the things you just said he was afraid to do at one point, so might be he's gettin' better, too."

"Just, try not to be so hard on him? He seems like a decent dude, just not very brave. But does he really deserve to get chewed out like that over that and whatever mistakes he's made when he's tryin' to show support for people he cares about?" she asks.

"I... I suppose not," Mallory said, looking ashamed, "I doubt that he actually cares, but... I must be mistaken about something, if even my mom seems to think he does. She almost never yells at me like that..."

"What does everyone else see that I don't?" she asks.

Esprit15

2016-07-27, 02:12 AM

"Hey. I also prefer you to her, and what's wrong with Effie?" Nate replied/

"So, back at that party, I noticed that she was into you. I tried to do the respectful thing, and ask her to let Agatha ask you out. I didn't expect her to agree, at all, but I thought it polite to let her know that someone else was interested. Her response was not 'Well let the best girl win.' Her response was 'How about I try to hypnotize you into stabbing your friend in the back and setting me up with Nat instead?' Thankfully it didn't take, but that's why I dislike her."

Illven

2016-07-27, 02:19 AM

"So, back at that party, I noticed that she was into you. I tried to do the respectful thing, and ask her to let Agatha ask you out. I didn't expect her to agree, at all, but I thought it polite to let her know that someone else was interested. Her response was not 'Well let the best girl win.' Her response was 'How about I try to hypnotize you into stabbing your friend in the back and setting me up with Nat instead?' Thankfully it didn't take, but that's why I dislike her."

[Roll Allure to be deceptive. I re-read it, Takia wasn't being polite she was being threatening.]

Illven

2016-07-27, 03:14 AM

"So, back at that party, I noticed that she was into you. I tried to do the respectful thing, and ask her to let Agatha ask you out. I didn't expect her to agree, at all, but I thought it polite to let her know that someone else was interested. Her response was not 'Well let the best girl win.' Her response was 'How about I try to hypnotize you into stabbing your friend in the back and setting me up with Nat instead?' Thankfully it didn't take, but that's why I dislike her."

"Wait what, she tried to mind control you?" Nate asked eyes wide in shock. "Why didn't you say something to the authorities?" He whispers pulling out his phone.

Esprit15

2016-07-27, 03:40 AM

"Because what's the point, she'd talk her way out of it, or it would be dismissed as girls fighting over a boy, even though that's not true. Besides, she knows not to mess with me anymore, I think."

Illven

2016-07-27, 02:15 PM

"Because what's the point, she'd talk her way out of it, or it would be dismissed as girls fighting over a boy, even though that's not true. Besides, she knows not to mess with me anymore, I think."

"What did you do?" Nate replied.

Esprit15

2016-07-27, 02:27 PM

"Nothing too bad. I gave her a bad shot which she was dumb enough to drink, she got ill from it, and I don't think she hung around for much longer after that."
Since lying by omission is usually still lying - [roll0]

Illven

2016-07-27, 02:38 PM

"That.... You poisoned her?" Nate replied clearly a bit uncomfortable with that reaction.

Esprit15

2016-07-27, 04:57 PM

"Please, it's not like I gave her batrachotoxin or anything that serious, just something that would cause some pain in her mouth. It seemed the appropriate level of response, to what she did."

Zevox

2016-07-27, 04:59 PM

"I... I suppose not," Mallory said, looking ashamed, "I doubt that he actually cares, but... I must be mistaken about something, if even my mom seems to think he does. She almost never yells at me like that..."

"What does everyone else see that I don't?" she asks.
"...I ain't sure, Mal," Tanya said in response, giving her girlfriend's hand a soft squeeze in sympathy. She really did wish she could explain this Mal, but on some level she was still figuring it out herself. "But, I can tell you what I see with him. Far as I can tell, he's a decent, honest dude. From what you told me, yeah, he might be kind of a chicken, and that might make him make mistakes, but, so what? He can still be alright guy in that case, just more the type to avoid trouble than deal with it it. And if he says he cares about someone, I don't see any reason not to believe him. Just a reason not to count on him riskin' his neck if push comes to shove, or makin' the best choices under pressure. Make sense?"

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-27, 05:38 PM

"...I ain't sure, Mal," Tanya said in response, giving her girlfriend's hand a soft squeeze in sympathy. She really did wish she could explain this Mal, but on some level she was still figuring it out herself. "But, I can tell you what I see with him. Far as I can tell, he's a decent, honest dude. From what you told me, yeah, he might be kind of a chicken, and that might make him make mistakes, but, so what? He can still be alright guy in that case, just more the type to avoid trouble than deal with it it. And if he says he cares about someone, I don't see any reason not to believe him. Just a reason not to count on him riskin' his neck if push comes to shove, or makin' the best choices under pressure. Make sense?"

"...Not entirely, but I'll take your word for it that it does," Mallory conceded. It was embarrassing to admit to herself, but the way Tanya was dealing with her right now was comforting to her.

After a moment, she added in a petulant tone, "...I still don't like him, though."

Zevox

2016-07-27, 06:05 PM

"...Not entirely, but I'll take your word for it that it does," Mallory conceded. It was embarrassing to admit to herself, but the way Tanya was dealing with her right now was comforting to her.

After a moment, she added in a petulant tone, "...I still don't like him, though."
Tanya half smiled at that. Well, Mal had listened, and she'd sort of gotten through, at least a little. And she was a lot calmer now, too. All told, that went well.

"You don't have to," she replied. "Just don't bite his head off over nothin' like that. And maybe try to give him the benefit of the doubt a bit, 'least as far as his own feelings and whatnot goes. I mean, he's gonna be around, 'specially if he and Cereza still consider each other friends, so only makes sense to try, right?"

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-27, 06:17 PM

Tanya half smiled at that. Well, Mal had listened, and she'd sort of gotten through, at least a little. And she was a lot calmer now, too. All told, that went well.

"You don't have to," she replied. "Just don't bite his head off over nothin' like that. And maybe try to give him the benefit of the doubt a bit, 'least as far as his own feelings and whatnot goes. I mean, he's gonna be around, 'specially if he and Cereza still consider each other friends, so only makes sense to try, right?"

"She shouldn't..." Mallory grumbled, "But yeah, I'll try. That's all I can promise."

[Think now's as good a time as any for Kris and Olivia to come in, assuming we're still doing that.]

AvatarVecna

2016-07-27, 06:59 PM

Kris followed Olivia over, preferring to be more of a hanger-on than the focus of conversation. Tanya may be Olivia's friend, and was probably alright, but she was also standing next to Mallory freaking Malone. Better to keep his head down than to make enough of an impression for her to get offended by his existence and start an argument he didn't have the heart to take part in...

Zevox

2016-07-27, 07:43 PM

Tanya gave Mal's hand a final, soft squeeze along with a similarly soft smile. "That's all I can ask." She felt the urge to hug her too after that, but held back - she knew Mal was still getting used to that kind of thing, and this was probably a bit public for her liking anyway.

A moment later she had something else to think about, though, as she noticed someone she recognized approaching. "Oh, yo Olivia!" she said, waving the arm that wasn't holding Mal's hand in greeting. "Ain't seen you around much since the game. Who's your bud?" she asked, curious about the demon boy who was with her.

Illven

2016-07-27, 07:59 PM

AvatarVecna

2016-07-27, 08:37 PM

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-27, 09:15 PM

Mallory eyes both of the new arrivals judgementally, especially the other demon. After some hesitation, she shakes Kris' hand firmly. "A pleasure," she says, in a tone that indicates anything but.

She looks up at Olivia, mostly at surprise that there's a girl at this school she has to look up at to begin with, then turns to Tanya, "Friends of yours?"

AvatarVecna

2016-07-27, 09:17 PM

"The pleasure's all mine," he replies, making sure to keep a genuine-looking smile on his face.

Zevox

2016-07-27, 09:22 PM

Completely not picking up on Kris's urge to be left out, Olivia blantantly gestured to him.

"This is Kris, Kris meet Tanya, and Mal." She replies arms gesturing to each in turn.

He gives a (slightly nervous) smile, and holds out a hand to shake theirs. "Nice to meet the both of you."

Mallory eyes both of the new arrivals judgementally, especially the other demon. After some hesitation, she shakes Kris' hand firmly. "A pleasure," she says, in a tone that indicates anything but.

She looks up at Olivia, mostly at surprise that there's a girl at this school she has to look up at to begin with, then turns to Tanya, "Friends of yours?"
"Nice to meet ya', too," Tanya answered Kris simply and honestly, shaking his hand back. Olivia addressing Mal, and Mal's reaction, though, reminded her that she should really introduce them, and she slapped her forehead.

"Oh, Scout, this is Olivia. I met her on... actually, the day I asked you out," she said just a little sheepishly, with a sidelong glance at Kris, whom she had no idea what to expect out of, which made her worry a bit about saying something more than Mal would be comfortable with him knowing. Still, just that they were dating seemed safe enough, since they weren't hiding that. "She was at the game, bit of a sports fan too. Can't play though, which really sucks - joint troubles," she explained.

"Ain't met Kris before, though. You two old friends or somethin'?" she asked Olivia and the demon boy.

Illven

2016-07-27, 09:45 PM

"Nice to meet ya', too," Tanya answered Kris simply and honestly, shaking his hand back. Olivia addressing Mal, and Mal's reaction, though, reminded her that she should really introduce them, and she slapped her forehead.

"Oh, Scout, this is Olivia. I met her on... actually, the day I asked you out," she said just a little sheepishly, with a sidelong glance at Kris, whom she had no idea what to expect out of, which made her worry a bit about saying something more than Mal would be comfortable with him knowing. Still, just that they were dating seemed safe enough, since they weren't hiding that. "She was at the game, bit of a sports fan too. Can't play though, which really sucks - joint troubles," she explained.

"Ain't met Kris before, though. You two old friends or somethin'?" she asked Olivia and the demon boy.

"Nah, we just met, I saw you over here, and thought I'd said hi." Olivia replies with a faint blush.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-27, 09:52 PM

"I see," Mallory said, giving Olivia a slightly more friendly look, "Well, any friend of Tanya's is a friend of mine. Happy to meet you."

She looks back at Kris, her demeanor hardening again, "And you are Olivia's new friend. I assume you have been nothing but polite to the lady."

AvatarVecna

2016-07-27, 09:52 PM

"Nice to meet ya', too," Tanya answered Kris simply and honestly, shaking his hand back. Olivia addressing Mal, and Mal's reaction, though, reminded her that she should really introduce them, and she slapped her forehead.

Kris gives her a friendly nod, more than a bit relieved at her more accepting greeting.

"I see," Mallory said, giving Olivia a slightly more friendly look, "Well, any friend of Tanya's is a friend of mine. Happy to meet you."

She looks back at Kris, her demeanor hardening again, "And I am assuming you are Olivia's friend. Are you two close?"

"Intend to be, so...sort of? We only just met. Truth be told, I should probably be making more friends in high school than I have been...better late than never, though, right?"

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-27, 09:55 PM

"Exactly," Mallory said, "You never know where and when you will find new friends."

Illven

2016-07-27, 10:01 PM

Zevox

2016-07-27, 10:05 PM

"Nah, we just met, I saw you over here, and thought I'd said hi." Olivia replies with a faint blush.
"Ah, cool," she said, raising an eyebrow at the blush. "I shoulda tracked you down sooner, honestly. It was nice talkin' to you at the game."

"I see," Mallory said, giving Olivia a slightly more friendly look, "Well, any friend of Tanya's is a friend of mine. Happy to meet you."

She looks back at Kris, her demeanor hardening again, "And you are Olivia's new friend. I assume you have been nothing but polite to the lady."

Kris gives her a friendly nod, more than a bit relieved at her more accepting greeting.

"Intend to be, so...sort of? We only just met. Truth be told, I should probably be making more friends in high school than I have been...better late than never, though, right?"
Tanya frowned at Mal's reaction to Kris. She leaned in closer to her girlfriend and whispered gently, "Uh, Scout? Be nice, huh? We just met the dude, dunno the first thing about him."

At Kris' response to Mallory, though, Tanya gives him a very sympathetic look, and nods. "Oh yeah, definitely," she answers. "Been there dude - I didn't have most of my friends not three months ago. Life's way better with 'em," she said with a smiling look over at Mal.

Illven

2016-07-27, 10:14 PM

"Ah, I've been busy with schoolwork, so I'm sure it was the same with you." Olivia replies dismissively.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-27, 10:17 PM

Kris shrugged. "I think it'll be nice to have somebody I can talk to about hobbies and stuff, for sure." He paused, unsure of how to continue the conversation without sticking his foot in his mouth. "So uh...yeah..."

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-27, 10:36 PM

"Sorry," Mallory whispered to Tanya. She does give her a small smile as she is brought up though.

"Well, we'll have plenty of time to get to know each other on the trip, I am guessing," Mallory said to the other two, "I hope to know you both very well by the end of the day."

Whether that was her being friendly or threatening is not entirely clear.

Illven

2016-07-27, 10:45 PM

Illven

2016-07-28, 03:32 PM

Episode 17 Scene 2

With that you've all piled onto the bus. Jennifer and her father just popping up in time before the bus departs. Nate warns Jen of what's to come for poor poor Takia, and thus Jen insists on sitting next to Taika.

But really. The seats can fit three. What do you do?

Allure =Screw the resulting pile up. You're on the window seat offer the seat next to you to Luna. +2 VP with Luna.

Skill =You have Salem themed goodies. Lure Jen to offer you the other seat by passing them out. +3 VP with Jen. Opens up Scene 2b if someone attempts this.

Conflict =Screw it, you're sitting next to the girls. Who's going to stop you? +3 VP with Jen

Luck =Have Luna jostled into your lap. +3 VP with Luna

Your roll is special. Nate being protective as well, is taking a seat on the other side of the aisle.

And of course Effie proceeded to sit right next to him, and is really turning up the flirt. What do you do? This roll is contested with Effie, and she will be using the same roll as you do.

Allure =Flirt back. She may be a succubus, but you have plenty of experience with what Nate likes, that the succubus lacks. +2 VP with Jen.

Skill =Challenge her on that little essay she claims to have wrote. +4 VP with Jen.

Conflict. =You have mastered the throat slitting gesture. Time to use it to let Effie know to back off. +3 VP with Jen.

Luck. =Eh, Nate will be fine on his own.... +3 VP with Jen.

Esprit15

2016-07-28, 08:31 PM

Taika frowns as the succubus makes herself cozy with Nate. Thinking, Taika recites some words to herself, focusing her memory.

"So Effie, you were in that Anthem essay competition, from what I heard. What were your thoughts as a demoness on it? Personally, I found Rand rather blind to currently existsant collectivist societies, and her writing a gross simplification to the point of hyperbole on the pros and cons with her individualistic world view. She seemed to view the world as though it were binary, either individualistic or group focused, with no regard for nuance. For example, it did not illustrate at all the interconnected nature of the society, treating each entity as a point, without regard to the interconnected whole. After reading her work, I'd doubt Rand's ability to identify a constellation, instead asserting that each star is an mote of light, and no picture should be created by acknowledging the connection between Dubhe and Merak, and their coexistence allowing for the easy location of Polaris, and hence astronavigation being possible.

Though at the same time, for all of her rejection of traditional values, there are plenty of hints of astrology, not the least with the protagonists Equality 7-2521 and Liberty 5-3000. Equality is quite clearly a Aquarius, between his independence and Rand's emphasis on his intelligence. He hates the mundane existence inside the collective and always finds himself longing for more. His natural pairing would be a Leo, and lo, the romantic interest for him is a girl who he dubs Golden One, which creates obvious imagery of blonde hair and from there, lions and Leo. Like her counterpart, she is described as proud and creative, and supposedly independent as well, though the comparison breaks down due to the flatness of her character as a whole. Interestingly, Rand was an Aquarius as well, which would explain her projection of what she viewed as her most positive traits onto another Aquarius in her own writing. Meanwhile, the society as a whole is clearly an exaggerated Libra in nature, being focused on survival through order, avoiding conflict and individualism entirely, the worst of these traits being illustrated in Collective 0-0009, who fears and loathes Equality 7-2521 for his rejection of the order that maintains safety and security within the collective. It is likely that Rand's own experiences were inspiration for the conflicts that we see as readers, though as I said, her exaggeration of the flaws in the society are not matched by actual demonstration of the virtues of Equality and Liberty's individualism.

Of course, that's just a witch's perspective. Did you notice any obvious ties to your own kind in her writing?"
Skill, Fortune Talisman (+2, Mal), Stargazer (+2)

Zevox

2016-07-28, 08:54 PM

Tanya waded through the mass of students on the bus, headed for the open seats. She noticed Jen sit down near Taika, but didn't really pay it much mind. Jen had called Taika her best friend, after all, made sense she'd sit with her. And much as she liked a lot of things about Jen, she was with Mal now, so she would sit with her. If Jen was nearby, all the better, but she wasn't going to force that.

She made it back to some of the fast-filling seats, and waved down Ethan and Agatha. "Yo, guys, still a couple of spots open behind me, if you get here quick!" she said. The remaining spot on the seat she'd grabbed, of course, she was making sure not to let anyone take, reserving it for Mal.

Weak Luck -1.

Yeah, I don't see a way to make anything else work IC. Tanya doesn't want to actively sit next to Jen, and wouldn't have anything appropriate for the skill roll with her.

AvatarVecna

2016-07-29, 05:33 PM

Kris allowed Olivia the window seat, before sliding in. It was getting kinda crowded on the bus, so they'd probably have to bunch up at some point. Hopefully it was some hot girl instead of Olivia's mother who decided to grace them with her presence.

On a whim, he wove an enchantment into the air, letting it attach itself to...huh, Mallory. Hope she didn't notice, or she might get a bit upset with him...

Strong Allure +1, Boyish Charm +1; total +2. Faustian Pact on Mallory.

The TechnoGnome

2016-07-29, 10:31 PM

Mallory was intent on making sure that today's trip went well, despite what she had heard about Salem from Taika's mom earlier. After all, this was Agatha's first trip to Salem as well, and her first chance to meet with witches outside of Taika's family. If she could do that, and learn about what could potentially be her true heritage, she might not feel so bad about the crazed madman her father had become.

To that effect, Mallory had prepared a special surprise for the bus ride over. As they entered the vehicle, Mallory pulled Ms. Wilton aside to help approve of her work, or at the very least make sure it wasn't unintentionally offensive to her people.
After getting the go-ahead (and a bit of good-natured urging), Mallory began making the rounds to her friends, passing out...

"Embroidered handkerchiefs," she explained as she handed a light blue cloth to Jen and a white one to Taika, "I thought about making snacks for the road, but I know how much people dislike my cooking, so I decided to do something a little more, ah, 'festive' for you guys instead. I even bought a book on Wiccan runes and sewed them along the edges. See?" She asked, drawing her finger along the goldenrod runes, "I'm not sure if they're exactly right, and I'm certain they don't actually have any real meaning or significance, but I thought they looked nice, and your mom told me that they're at least not offensive of anything. I figured they might be useful to have handy, though I regret not having time to learn the runes well enough to sew your names in. Just regular initials in the center will have to do, I suppose."

She saw Nate and Effie (who were not getting special handkerchiefs, than you very much) out of the corner of her eye, and whispered to Taika in a low voice, "Heard a bit of what you were saying to her about the essay. If she decides to continue this 'discussion' with the help of Nate or magic, I've got some magic of my own that'll make sure you've got the upper hand." And with that, she cast an enchantment of her own to supplement Taika's, while also adding a hint of a compulsion charm to the witch's voice. Just enough to make sure her arguments were given the attention they deserved, and potentially help counteract any charming that succubus might try to do (though she doubted it would be enough to do so completely on it's own).

Oddly enough, she felt quite a bit of extra power seeping into herself as she cast the spell, which allowed her to do even more than she had originally planned. That was unusual... Maybe those runes had some power after all?

Strong Skill (+1), Faustian Pact (+2), Fortune Talisman (+2), Connections (+2), Fiendish Cunning? (For the plan to counter Effie, +2 if it counts). +7 or +9 total.

Also, using a Faustian Pact of my own on Taika.

Necroticplague

2016-07-30, 05:32 PM

JNAProductions

2016-07-30, 08:48 PM

+4 Allure. The usual set-strong, boyish, and cosplay.

Well, good luck Ms. Smith! Jessica and I are gonna head to the back-I think I see our friends there, Lu says, heading to the back as she says it. Oh hey, Luna, what's up?

Illven

2016-07-30, 09:54 PM

Seeing the cycles of little arguments over thr group of seats near the front, P'ro'shi takes Luna by the wrist and tries to tug her more towards the back "C'mon, no reason to be cramped up here. Let's head to the back. Probably have a good seat by the window and just the two of us."
Normal Allure, +2 Runner's Glow, +2 Touchy Spot

Unfortunately for P'ro'shi, Luna is Vampnapped by two very hot, very blonde to be cheerleaders. Squealing about how hot Vampire are, and Luna in particular it doesn't take long for them to convince her to sit next to them.

I think we're supposed to sit three to a row anyway, P'ro'shi.

+4 Allure. The usual set-strong, boyish, and cosplay.

Well, good luck Ms. Smith! Jessica and I are gonna head to the back-I think I see our friends there, Lu says, heading to the back as she says it. Oh hey, Luna, what's up?

Unfortunately Luna is already sitting next to two cheerleaders to be.

Oh, hey Lu? What's up? Luna mumbles through cheerleader neck.

Kris allowed Olivia the window seat, before sliding in. It was getting kinda crowded on the bus, so they'd probably have to bunch up at some point. Hopefully it was some hot girl instead of Olivia's mother who decided to grace them with her presence.

On a whim, he wove an enchantment into the air, letting it attach itself to...huh, Mallory. Hope she didn't notice, or she might get a bit upset with him...

Strong Allure +1, Boyish Charm +1; total +2. Faustian Pact on Mallory.

It was not a hot girl. It was Olivia's mom.

"If you think I'm going to let a damn incubus get her hands up on my girl, you have another thing coming." She snarls sitting next to Olivia.

Tanya waded through the mass of students on the bus, headed for the open seats. She noticed Jen sit down near Taika, but didn't really pay it much mind. Jen had called Taika her best friend, after all, made sense she'd sit with her. And much as she liked a lot of things about Jen, she was with Mal now, so she would sit with her. If Jen was nearby, all the better, but she wasn't going to force that.

She made it back to some of the fast-filling seats, and waved down Ethan and Agatha. "Yo, guys, still a couple of spots open behind me, if you get here quick!" she said. The remaining spot on the seat she'd grabbed, of course, she was making sure not to let anyone take, reserving it for Mal.

Weak Luck -1.

Yeah, I don't see a way to make anything else work IC. Tanya doesn't want to actively sit next to Jen, and wouldn't have anything appropriate for the skill roll with her.

[Who are you next to, btw? The seats are to three. ]

Agatha and Ethan sit behind you. "Um... You may..." Agatha replies gesturing to Mal's distraction, before some large blond boy plomps down on the seat in front of you,

Mallory was intent on making sure that today's trip went well, despite what she had heard about Salem from Taika's mom earlier. After all, this was Agatha's first trip to Salem as well, and her first chance to meet with witches outside of Taika's family. If she could do that, and learn about what could potentially be her true heritage, she might not feel so bad about the crazed madman her father had become.

To that effect, Mallory had prepared a special surprise for the bus ride over. As they entered the vehicle, Mallory pulled Ms. Wilton aside to help approve of her work, or at the very least make sure it wasn't unintentionally offensive to her people.
After getting the go-ahead (and a bit of good-natured urging), Mallory began making the rounds to her friends, passing out...

"Embroidered handkerchiefs," she explained as she handed a light blue cloth to Jen and a white one to Taika, "I thought about making snacks for the road, but I know how much people dislike my cooking, so I decided to do something a little more, ah, 'festive' for you guys instead. I even bought a book on Wiccan runes and sewed them along the edges. See?" She asked, drawing her finger along the goldenrod runes, "I'm not sure if they're exactly right, and I'm certain they don't actually have any real meaning or significance, but I thought they looked nice, and your mom told me that they're at least not offensive of anything. I figured they might be useful to have handy, though I regret not having time to learn the runes well enough to sew your names in. Just regular initials in the center will have to do, I suppose."

She saw Nate and Effie (who were not getting special handkerchiefs, than you very much) out of the corner of her eye, and whispered to Taika in a low voice, "Heard a bit of what you were saying to her about the essay. If she decides to continue this 'discussion' with the help of Nate or magic, I've got some magic of my own that'll make sure you've got the upper hand." And with that, she cast an enchantment of her own to supplement Taika's, while also adding a hint of a compulsion charm to the witch's voice. Just enough to make sure her arguments were given the attention they deserved, and potentially help counteract any charming that succubus might try to do (though she doubted it would be enough to do so completely on it's own).

Oddly enough, she felt quite a bit of extra power seeping into herself as she cast the spell, which allowed her to do even more than she had originally planned. That was unusual... Maybe those runes had some power after all?

Strong Skill (+1), Faustian Pact (+2), Fortune Talisman (+2), Connections (+2), Fiendish Cunning? (For the plan to counter Effie, +2 if it counts). +7 or +9 total.

Also, using a Faustian Pact of my own on Taika.

That's so sweet of you Mal! Jen exclaimed.

You should... You should sit by us, so that if there's any magic. It'll be stronger together. Jen suggests.

Taika frowns as the succubus makes herself cozy with Nate. Thinking, Taika recites some words to herself, focusing her memory.

"So Effie, you were in that Anthem essay competition, from what I heard. What were your thoughts as a demoness on it? Personally, I found Rand rather blind to currently existsant collectivist societies, and her writing a gross simplification to the point of hyperbole on the pros and cons with her individualistic world view. She seemed to view the world as though it were binary, either individualistic or group focused, with no regard for nuance. For example, it did not illustrate at all the interconnected nature of the society, treating each entity as a point, without regard to the interconnected whole. After reading her work, I'd doubt Rand's ability to identify a constellation, instead asserting that each star is an mote of light, and no picture should be created by acknowledging the connection between Dubhe and Merak, and their coexistence allowing for the easy location of Polaris, and hence astronavigation being possible.

Though at the same time, for all of her rejection of traditional values, there are plenty of hints of astrology, not the least with the protagonists Equality 7-2521 and Liberty 5-3000. Equality is quite clearly a Aquarius, between his independence and Rand's emphasis on his intelligence. He hates the mundane existence inside the collective and always finds himself longing for more. His natural pairing would be a Leo, and lo, the romantic interest for him is a girl who he dubs Golden One, which creates obvious imagery of blonde hair and from there, lions and Leo. Like her counterpart, she is described as proud and creative, and supposedly independent as well, though the comparison breaks down due to the flatness of her character as a whole. Interestingly, Rand was an Aquarius as well, which would explain her projection of what she viewed as her most positive traits onto another Aquarius in her own writing. Meanwhile, the society as a whole is clearly an exaggerated Libra in nature, being focused on survival through order, avoiding conflict and individualism entirely, the worst of these traits being illustrated in Collective 0-0009, who fears and loathes Equality 7-2521 for his rejection of the order that maintains safety and security within the collective. It is likely that Rand's own experiences were inspiration for the conflicts that we see as readers, though as I said, her exaggeration of the flaws in the society are not matched by actual demonstration of the virtues of Equality and Liberty's individualism.

Of course, that's just a witch's perspective. Did you notice any obvious ties to your own kind in her writing?"
Skill, Fortune Talisman (+2, Mal), Stargazer (+2)

Effie seems to be effortlessly able to match you word for word. Still having more then enough mental energies to focus on physically flirting with Nate, you get the impression she considers your questions cute. A chance to show off. Taika's questions aren't even deserving of her full mental energies.

Apparently her essay was about obvious ties to Effie's kind. Demon that is, not Incubi or Succubi. The essay discussed how Ayn seemed to be influenced early and strongly in life by a demon or demon based philosophies. Since Ayn's parents were both human, Effie had to do quite alot of research into notable figures of Ayn's background. She managed to tie it to a female demon that was six years older then Ayn. Old enough to interact in that fuzzy area between friendship and authority.

"Frankly... I'm not surprised Ayn was influenced. We demons can be quite convincing, when we're not met with holy water on sight." Effie finishes off with. "Right Nate?" She asks stroking his face and leaning in. Nate who has long since mentally checked out of this conversation can only reply with.

"Huh?"