[center][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_sY2rjxq6M][img]https://puu.sh/t4ykc/e5c0c36a39.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/3R5vYYi.png?2[/img][/center] [hr][center][color=silver] 𝕊𝕖𝕡𝕥. 𝟛𝟘, 𝟚𝟘𝟙𝟜 / / ℕ𝕖𝕨 𝕐𝕠𝕣𝕜 ℂ𝕚𝕥𝕪, ℕ𝕖𝕨 𝕐𝕠𝕣𝕜 / / ℙ𝕒𝕣𝕜 𝕋𝕖𝕣𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝔼 / / 𝟙𝟜𝟜𝟞[/color][/center][hr] [color=f7976a]"Hobbies! You got any hobbies?"[/color] Vanessa crossed the street, careful to avoid the deep roadside streams that appeared more frequently the more they made their way to the edge of the city. On normal days the inconsistency of the water patterns made her usual commute more interesting. Today however, they were only prolonging the time she had to spend with this imbecile. [color=f7976a]"How about music? You listen to any nice songs? Ah, I guess it'd be kinda hard to get your hands on good electronics. Hobo life, amirite?"[/color] Only one block left. Would she be able to lock the guy outside while she sorted through her things? Perhaps if she just punched him in the throat she'd be able to enjoy some silence. [color=f7976a]"Come on, favourite snacks?"[/color] Vanessa whirled around, glaring at the awfully talkative ginger. Her exasperation was met with a quizzical smile, displaying the guy's surprise and delight at the long awaited reaction. [color=f7976a]"I knew snacks would getcha,"[/color] he beamed, [color=f7976a]"Everybody loooves snacks."[/color] [color=f7976a]"Do you do this with everyone?"[/color] she snapped, eager to shut him up. They'd reached her building by now, a water-logged, rundown mess that was somehow still standing after years of environmental abuse and failed gentrification. If she'd known how long the walk with the chatterbox was going to be she would have chosen a spot closer downtown. Mold smothered the walls of the staircase she nimbly tiptoed up. Some finesse was required to avoid all the rotting planks. [color=f7976a]"I try,"[/color] the ginger, 'Donovan' if she remembered correctly, shrugged and hurried to keep up with her. He found some difficulty in climbing the staircase, something the petty side of Vanessa found satisfaction in. [color=f7976a]"Didn't work so well with Seiji though. He's the cranky little one. Don't tell him I called him that."[/color] [color=f7976a]"Right,"[/color] Vanessa retorted unenthusiastically, [color=f7976a]"You need to get to know the newbies."[/color] The door to her apartment was unlocked, like always. Nobody had the nerve to come anywhere near this street, so there was never any reason for home security. The resulting quiet was greatly welcomed but she had to admit that she missed the familiar sounds of the bustling city sometimes. [color=f7976a]"Yes, exactly! I knew you were a clever one."[/color] Donovan bounded into the apartment before she had the chance to shut the door on him. The girl stared in dismay as her self-invited companion indulged his urge to touch and examine [i]every possible thing[/i] she kept in the studio. The room at the back was where she kept a large stockpile of the essentials. Non-perishables, sanitary products, wads upon wads of bills. As she entered she caught the Australian leering at the pile with a hungry glint in his eye. [color=f7976a]"Don't even think about it,"[/color] she scowled. He raised his hands in mock surrender, proclaiming his innocence. [color=f7976a]"We can use that cash,"[/color] he said defensively, [color=f7976a]"I don't know if Nico told you, but we're gonna be on the road a lot."[/color] Nico had indeed told her. He'd told her many things that morning, including what he hoped to eventually accomplish with their ragtag band of Animi. Normally she'd turn down all invitations to join the magical factions, but getting cornered by eight Animi had forced her to keep an open mind. The group's lofty goals had won her over in the end. Somehow. It took a lot of tentative discussion to convince Vanessa to pack her things and galavant across the globe with the scrawny kid and his friends, but Nico had managed it. There was something about the guy, a sincerity and drive that ultimately swung Vanessa's final decision. A chance to do some real [i]good[/i] with her abilities. Which was why she wanted to tie up all loose ends on the same day she received the invitation. Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and such. However she wasn't counting on being accompanied by Nico's right hand man, someone who upon first glance appeared to be a frat boy doing a poor and permanent impression of the Cheshire Cat. People rarely made good first impressions for Vanessa. At first she assumed that it was a matter of suspicion. Couldn't let someone run off with the group's secret plans, right? But as the minutes torturously crawled by it became clear that Donovan was tagging along not because he wanted to keep an eye on her, but because he was an idiot hellbent on annoying the shit out of everyone he met. [color=f7976a]"I don't care,"[/color] she growled lowly, [color=f7976a]"It's not for you."[/color] He raised an eyebrow and gestured at a conspicuous nameplate on one of the duffel bags. [color=f7976a]"Apparently not for you either,"[/color] he smirked, admiring the 'Property of Hubert Hill' scrawled on the bag's underside. Vanessa heatedly snatched the container and began stuffing it with her stockpile. [color=f7976a]"Not. For. You. That's going to the community."[/color] [color=f7976a]"You mean right back into looter hands when they take it from them?"[/color] She paused and side-eyed Donovan with a strange smile. [color=f7976a]"Looters aren't something we need to worry about here."[/color] The stockpile was emptied into numerous rucksacks within minutes. Then it was out to the cul-de-sacs. It was a slow and tiring process, making sure that her resources were distributed evenly throughout the neighbourhood. David, the Sakers, Christopher and Rebecca, the Youngs; countless others she couldn't list in a single sitting recieved small packages filled with whatever she had in the rucksacks. The tentative 'thank yous' and awkward hugs did little to reward her efforts. It was simply a matter of efficiency, making the most of the limited resources in the flushed-out city they resided in. Nothing more and nothing less. Donovan observed the proceedings from a respectful distance, noting the lack of visible reactions at the sight of Vanessa's exposed throat. Surprisingly, he was silent for the majority of the proceedings. [color=f7976a]"Quite the Samaritan, huh,"[/color] Donovan remarked as they neared the end of their trip. She replied without looking up, checking the last few names on the yellowed notepad. [color=f7976a]"This stuff needs to be used somewhere."[/color] [color=f7976a]"Hm. You like helping others?"[/color] The notepad snapped shut and was tucked into the pocket of her cargo pants. [color=f7976a]"It's just something I feel like I should be doing. I didn't think I'd ever leave this city, especially when my powers emerged. Wanted to try and make this craphole a little more bearable to live in."[/color] [color=f7976a]"Liar~"[/color] Vanessa's glare conveyed her irritated confusion aptly. The smug boy gladly elaborated. [color=f7976a]"You can't lie to me,"[/color] Donovan lightly tapped his temple and laughed, [color=f7976a]"You're happy when you do this, I can tell. It's pretty cute actually!"[/color] An outraged punch to the shoulder provoked a small yelp from Donovan. [color=f7976a]"I'm just saying!"[/color] He raised his hands in preparation for another blow. [color=f7976a]"It's nice to finally recruit someone who isn't a complete psycho."[/color] Her stare turned to one of disbelief. This guy really was a brazen idiot. [color=f7976a]"You're getting your hopes too high,"[/color] she muttered. [color=f7976a]"Huh, is that so..."[/color] Donovan stroked his chin. Was he trying to seem profound? Vanessa rolled her eyes. [color=f7976a]"That mysterious vibe you're trying to pull doesn't suit you. You look dumb as hell."[/color] Before Donovan could make an indignant complaint a young boy came running up to the pair. Javi, the youngest of the Rosarios. One of the families she visited the most. [color=f7976a]"Vanessa! Gina told me to tell you. The store got trashed by the Hammers again..."[/color] the kid reported, flinching slightly as Vanessa's posture suddenly straightened, [color=f7976a]"Sonny says we can't replace the window this time."[/color] Her brow furrowed at the news. [color=f7976a]"I thought I took care of those guys in July,"[/color] Javi shook his head. [color=f7976a]"They're still hanging around 181st. They've been quiet because of you but they're still acting out."[/color] Donovan watched curiously as Vanessa's expression darkened. [color=f7976a]"I see."[/color] Even without an emotion reading power, the newly emerged Animus' intentions were plain as day. The smalltime gang's new hideout was easy to track down, thanks to the booming music and raucous laughter could be heard blaring from a block away. Vanessa's location across the street provided more than enough proximity for her abilities, as well as a front seat view to the hedonism of the looter scumbags. It was time to try out that new upgrade. [color=f7976a]"What are you doing?"[/color] Donovan popped his head in front of her, blocking her line of sight. Vanessa glowered, lowering her charged hands. [color=f7976a]"Get out of my way."[/color] Donovan tilted his head, indicating back at the repurposed office block. His face turned blank, uninterested even, in an unnatural amount of time. [color=f7976a]"There are thirty two people in there. A lotta kids who are your age."[/color] What? That had to be wrong. There was no way in hell a petty theft gang would be able that many people within a month. Vanessa narrowed her eyes in suspicion. [color=f7976a]"Thirty two? That many?"[/color] [color=f7976a]"You gonna try and off all those kids?"[/color] he quirked an eyebrow, undeterred by her reaction. There was something off about the guy now, an unreadable pokerface that somehow still conveyed an air of cockiness and pride. Sudden and complete emotional detachment that perfectly contrasted Vanessa's conviction. It was unnerving to see this sudden change in character. Nevertherless, she continued pushing. Donovan's revelation had done nothing to sway her actions. [color=f7976a]"They're all Hammers, aren't they?"[/color] The loaded silence was more than enough confirmation. Vanessa tried to shove him aside, not quite succeeding as she consciously kept her palms facing away from the young man. After a full minute of failing to budge the ginger, she huffed and took a step back. [color=f7976a]"If you don't get out of my way, I'm not going with your group."[/color] He stiffened at her sudden ultimatum but continued to refuse to move. Vanessa glared back at the taller boy, having to angle her chin up a lot more than what she felt was comfortable. This was her one last job to do. A necessary chore that would keep the borough safe during her absence. More than anything else, it was about sending a message that would forever ring in the ears of anyone who would ever have the ignorance needed to start trouble in Vanessa's neighborhood. One last job. [color=f7976a]"Looters always come back,"[/color] Donovan's accent became obvious whenever he overacted that casualness, [color=f7976a]"You think this is gonna get rid of them forever?"[/color] [color=f7976a]"Are you trying to stop me?"[/color] This conversation was getting tedious. Subtlety and snakish talk had never been her style. Donovan seemed to thrive in it though. [color=f7976a]"Who knows. Maybe I just want to see if you're actually going through with casual mass murder."[/color] [color=f7976a]"I'm helpi--"[/color] [color=f7976a]"Helping who?"[/color] he cut her off brusquely, [color=f7976a]"Your [i]'community'[/i]? The ones who practically shit their pants as soon as you turn the corner? They're terrified of you. I know what they think and trust me, they couldn't give less shits about your little goodwill parades. That kid especially. Honestly it's fucking hilar--"[/color] Vanessa's foot shot into the fork of his legs before he could complete his sentence. That choked groan he wheezed out was the most satisyfying thing she'd heard the whole day. The bastard was sent to the ground with a quick jab to the throat, collapsing and curling into himself to feebly defend against any further blows. She leveled a glowing hand at the coughing teen. All at once tendrils of fear and panic began seizing her mind, gluing her feet to the spot. Before she fell into the trap of thinking too hard Vanessa activated her power, the air between them heating to an unbearable degree within milliseconds. Her mind returned to normal immediately and she allowed herself a small breath of relief. The two remained in a stalemate, Vanessa's hand still aimed at Donovan on the ground while they glared daggers at the other. [color=f7976a]"You'll be dead within seconds,"[/color] she seethed, [color=f7976a]"Don't try that again."[/color] No response from Donovan, just a pointed glare she had to fight the urge to cackle at. Finally, she'd managed to shut him up. While she still had the chance, she aimed her free hand at the building. After one minute, loud creaking noises emerged from the base of the structure. Thirty seconds after that the building collapsed in on itself, billowing smoke and debris. Vanessa watched on with a blank satisfaction. Only Donovan's groans distracted her from her handiwork. [color=f7976a]"How many were really in there?"[/color] she asked, finally lowering her hands. [color=f7976a]"...Eight."[/color] Now that was a more sensible number. Vanessa allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. [color=f7976a]"Looters around these parts don't ever get to thirty two. I'd would have already gotten rid of them before they got that big,"[/color] she offered a hand up, [color=f7976a]"That was a careless mistake."[/color] He eyed the hand with a slight huff. [color=f7976a]"I'll make sure I remember that,"[/color] he drawled, tentatively taking her firm grip. The sounds of rumbling and splintering wood still emanated from the destroyed building. It somewhat helped to fill the strange silence that had settled between them. [color=f7976a]"You were testing me,"[/color] Vanessa raised an eyebrow. Her blank resting expression had resettled. Donovan shrugged, brushing himself off. His attempts at nonchalance were always such sloppy displays of overacting, Vanessa noticed. [color=f7976a]"Something like that. I can't say that I expected this outcome."[/color] He paused. [color=f7976a]"Didn't think you'd actually go through with it either. You seemed like such a lovely kid,"[/color] he remarked and chuckled when Vanessa rolled her eyes. [color=f7976a]"That thing about Javi was overkill. Gave the whole thing away."[/color] [color=f7976a]"Damn,"[/color] he pouted and turned his gaze towards her, [color=f7976a]"About that. I--"[/color] [color=f7976a]"It doesn't really matter."[/color] She didn't want to hear it. She was leaving it all behind anyway. Who cared? It was easier to say that it was nothing than to let herself think about it. [color=f7976a]"I upset you. That was a dick move on my part."[/color] Brooding about it wasn't going to get her anywhere. As much as the disappointment still stung, she couldn't do anything but move on. It was her own fault for thinking someone like her would be welcomed in the first place. She waved him off. [color=f7976a]"Just warn me before you do this trial crap next time. I'm assuming I passed?"[/color] Something in Donovan's eyes shifted, revealing a brief flicker of dejection before he picked himself back up. [color=f7976a]"Flying colours,"[/color] his smile was somehow warmer than the vast majority of what he'd shown her before despite his hesitance, [color=f7976a]"Not a smidge of hesitation. That's exactly what the crew needs..."[/color] His casual veneer cracked with a false chuckle. [color=f7976a]"Another veritable psychopath."[/color] [color=f7976a]"How flattering,"[/color] Vanessa responded evenly. This was obviously affecting him more than it should have. But she couldn't care any less about this asshole's feelings to inquire further. [color=f7976a]"Are you still trying to make me mad or..."[/color] [color=f7976a]"Oh, no no. I was just hoping you'd be different, was all."[/color] There was a melancholy in his admission, something distant she couldn't quite pick up yet. He grinned sheepishly and scratched his nose. [color=f7976a]"Definitely seemed like it at the start."[/color] Stupid. Pinning such high expectations on a stranger. A guy who practically read minds should have known better. But he clung to that intangible wish anyways. He dared to dream for human decency in this craphole of a world. Vanessa could do nothing but shake her head at that. [color=f7976a]"You got your hopes too high,"[/color] she muttered, echoing her earlier sentiment. It was something she'd be repeating to him many times. Whenever Donovan's peppy yet cocky optimism clashed with her dry realism, whenever she became enraged at his antics. At some point, her derisive scorn would mellow out to nothing more than light banter when it came to the Aussie. She'd get used to his constant jabbering, start enjoying it even. She'd start wondering how someone like him ended up being an Animus on the run with nine other cold-blooded killers. How someone like him, an arrogant bastard who turned out to be a bighearted loser, could smother his remorse so easily after the biggest disaster their group had ever created. How no one but her seemed to notice or care about the increasing burdens he'd place on himself after that night. Vanessa had moved on in her own time. The destruction was nothing she wasn't used to, so it was easier for her. But for the others, not just Donovan, an undeniable heaviness had set in. She saw the cracks begin to appear as Seiji argued with Nico. Lines being drawn in the sand, everyone determining who was to blame for the situation they were now in. She enjoyed the security of the group, the idea that they would slowly save the world. She'd even grown to think of them as friends. But after watching the seeds of division being sown by their mess, Vanessa began to know better. Someday, she wasn't sure how distant this day would be, their group would be torn to shreds, ripped apart by infighting and surmounting stress. And when that day arrived, she'd stay clear of all the emotional lashings. Like she had always done before. Before she had the strange fortune of meeting Donovan. Would she be ready by then? She could only hope so.