[center][h1][color=lightcoral]Lilianna Brandt[/color][/h1]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/9yn6u85.png[/img]
[/center]
[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/3R5vYYi.png?2[/img][/center][hr][center][b][color=gray]𝕄: 𝕊𝕖𝕡𝕥. 𝟙𝟜, 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟘   / /   𝕎𝕚𝕤𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕕, 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕪𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕   [/color][/b][/center][hr]
Lily slipped away from Marcus and Callan and sat in the midst of the rubble the recently concluded battle left in its wake. Her form was small enough that it was easy to overlook her where she sat. She stared into space, her thoughts on her dead classmate. Small girl with golden hair. Just like her. 

[color=lightcoral][i]It could have easily been me. I could be the one being put in a body bag now.[/i][/color]
 
But no. It couldn't be her.

She was away from the fighting, protected and safe just because she could heal.

[color=lightcoral][i]Could I have done something more? If I arrived earlier, helped more, would she have died?[/i][/color]

[i]All your destructive powers wasted. That’s why she died. Because you weren’t there to kill those who killed her,[/i] the voices in her head were back again. [i]And don’t even think you could have healed her. You’re not a healer. You bring pain and death. That’s all you are and all you’ll ever be.[/i]

Lily sighed and didn’t argue with the voices in her head this time. [color=lightcoral]”All I’ll ever be,”[/color] she repeated, her mood dropping low that she didn’t really care if she get left behind or get in trouble with Cat’s Cradle. 

[i]Useless in battle, useless in helping so called friends. That was why you were left behind half dead outside USARILN East,[/i] the voice in her head continued its goading.

The listless golden haired teen continued staring into nothing and letting the voices in her head bring her mood lower and lower. [color=lightcoral]”Useless and left behind,”[/color] she repeated to herslef. It was then that someone found her and brought her back the APC. She didn’t know who brought her back or who she rode with. She was too demoralized to pay any attention or even care. 

She rode the APC in silence, lost in her thoughts, lost in the words her stigma kept on whispering. She paid little attention to what was happening around her. She didn’t even care when an IV needle was inserted into her hand and didn’t even bothering arguing that she was fine and tha the worst of the injuries she had she already transferred to her immortal team mate.

When they arrived at the hospital, the healer was put into a room by herself, just like how it was in USARILN East. She sighed and laid back on her bed, feeling the dizziness overwhelm her for a second. It didn't take long before she fell asleep, tiredness from the recent events ushering her into her usual nightmares.

[hr][h2]September 15[/h2]
[hider=Lily and Emma: A Visit and A Phone Call] 
[center][h1][color=lightcoral]Lily[/color] | [color=8A3DFF]Emma[/color][/h1]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/9yn6u85.png[/img] [img]http://i.imgur.com/qObCsLJ.png[/img][/center]
[center][i]Collaboration of: [@Kyrisse] & [@Diggerton][/i][/center]
[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/3R5vYYi.png?2[/img][/center][hr][center][b][color=gray]𝕋: 𝕊𝕖𝕡𝕥. 𝟙𝟝, 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟘   / /   𝕃𝕒 ℙ𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕒, 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕪𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕  / /   ℍ𝕠𝕤𝕡𝕚𝕥𝕒𝕝  / /   ~𝟙𝟚𝟘𝟘 [/color][/b][/center][hr]

But despite the faceless people in her dreams, despite the harsh words, she slept through the night and woke up the next day still in the hospital bed. The blanket was twisted around her torso and legs, no doubt from turning restlessly in her sleep. She sighed as she looked up at the bottle of IV fluid she was still hooked to.

[color=lightcoral][i]I really should just stay put until I'm told that I can go.[/i][/color] No real use trying to break free or escape. [color=lightcoral][i]But it's so boring here...[/i][/color] Where would she go? To interact with the people she wasn’t really able to help as much as she should have?

A small chime from her pocket brought her out of her reverie. She looked down and pulled her cellphone out of her pocket. Miraculously, the gadget was unharmed, save for the pre-existing crack on the phone’s monitor. 

Three missed calls and 10 new messages.

Lily blinked and stared at the LCD. 

For just a moment Emma hovered outside of Lily's room. She didn't know her as well as the others, in fact, she hardly knew her, but... after all she did yesterday, it only felt appropriate that Emma should give their healer a visit. She shifted the bouquets in her arms uncomfortable as she moved to open the door, giving a short knock before walking in. 

[color=8A3DFF]"Hey, Lily! I hope you don't mind, but I figured you could use a little company... I'm sure it's not too fun being cooped up in a hospital."[/color] Emma said, making her way towards the girl's bed. [color=8A3DFF]"I also brought flowers."[/color] she said with a slightly awkward smile, extending one of the bouquets towards the girl.

Lily was just about to open the messages, a finger poised over the screen when she heard a knock, followed by someone walking in. A pleasant voice coupled with a beautiful face. She looked at Emma then at the flowers she was giving her then back to her face. She blinked. [color=lightcoral]"Thanks..."[/color] she said in a dejected voice as she tucked the phone by her side and took the bouquet. [color=lightcoral]"...Emma,"[/color] she finished. Normally, it would have elated her that she remembered a classmate's name. But in her present mood, there really was no being happy about anything.

Emma gave Lily a long glance. Was she intruding? Was this a mistake? Emma was a near-stranger to the girl, so maybe she was intruding. Emma shifted slightly, suddenly uncomfortable. [color=8A3DFF]”Er, sorry if I barged in, I can… come back another time, if you want me to.”[/color] Emma said as politely as possible, still maintaining her smile.

[color=lightcoral]"No, it's okay. You can stay... if you want,"[/color] Lily said in a quiet voice and gave Emma the smallest of smiles. [color=lightcoral]"You weren't hurt in the fight, were you?"[/color] she asked as she looked at the flowers. She laid them gently across her lap, wondering if she had ever been given flowers before.

Emma smiled. [color=8A3DFF]”No, I wasn’t hurt. Not seriously at least. Not like you and the others… although I appreciate that you’re concerned about me when you’re the one in the hospital bed.”[/color] Emma took the chair next to the bed. She wasn’t exactly invited to, but she was sure Lily could use the company. 

[color=8A3DFF]”I mean, you took everyone’s injuries. That was super brave. It was dangerous too… I appreciate it, you saved my friends, but you’ve gotta be more careful when you’re doing something like that.”[/color] Emma realized partway through her sentence that this sounded like an unwanted lecture, but she pushed through.

The small smile on Lily's lips wavered. [color=lightcoral]"I... helped...?"[/color] she asked, uncertainty, self doubt and weariness on her face. She looked up and met Emma's gaze. [color=lightcoral]"Somebody died. I should have done more. Prevented that from happening,"[/color] she said in a flat tone of voice. It was strange saying it out loud. She had never had anyone listen to her...or at least she can't remember if anyone ever listened to her.

Emma was surprised. She’d expected the people she knew to play the blame game, but Lily was so… open. [color=8A3DFF]”Lily… That’s not true at all. What happened to Savannah… there was no way to anticipate that. Zero chance. She died in seconds. There are… there are plenty of us that can take the blame for her death, but you’re not one of them. What you did do, though, you fixed Cal’s arm, healed Siena’s injuries, saved Lawrence’s life, and all the others you helped too… at your own expense. That’s… I can’t thank you enough. Those people are my friends, and they’d be dead without you.”[/color] Emma shifted her weight in her seat.

[color=8A3DFF]”Trust me, as far as I’m concerned you were the biggest hero out there today.”[/color]

Emma's words should have made her feel better, made her feel reassured that she was a helpful, useful part of their team. But she felt more disheartened. Yes, she helped remove injuries. But she wasn't a healer at all. All she did was to transfer it to someone else. And that horrible feeling of wanting to amplify what she gave out. She began shaking her head and once again spoke her mind. [color=lightcoral]"No, no, not a hero. Far from a hero. I'm not a healer like Christmas. I just take injuries. I take them and give them to someone else. And... and..."[/color] she paused, a horrified look making her golden eyes look darker.

A loud laugh echoed in her head. [i]SAY IT. Say it and reveal to her what kind of monster you really are. SAY IT.[/i]

[color=lightcoral]"And..."[/color] she hesitated. What would Emma think when she finds out about what she really wanted to do with the injuries she took. Would she be afraid of her when she reveals that she wanted to maim and to kill? She took a deep breath. The voices in her head was right. No one would understand. 

[color=lightcoral]"Is Kusari okay?"[/color] she asked instead in a small voice.

Emma gave a slight smile. Lily, a girl that was concerned about everyone but herself, it seemed. [color=8A3DFF]”Kusari’s fine. Not even sent to the hospital. She’s staying with us at the motel… and…”[/color]

Emma sighed. It seemed like she was doing a lot of that lately. [color=8A3DFF]”You’re right. Healer isn’t the right word for it, but… that’s not what matters. You still did something important. Something good. If you didn’t transfer those injuries, they might be dead right now. Lawrence was on death’s door, Cal lost an arm and was bleeding out on the street, and Siena’s injuries were just as severe. Even if you didn’t [i]heal[/i] them what you did was worthwhile. You saved them, and you can’t just brush that off.”[/color] Emma started to lean forward in her chair, smile still planted firmly on her face.

[i]She can say that because she doesn't know what you really are.[/i] More laughter in the small girl's head. She tried to ignore them and instead focus on how Emma was trying to make her feel better.

[color=lightcoral]"I'm...glad I can help out. I should do better next time, help more,"[/color] she offered the pretty girl a bigger smile this time despite the chaos in her head. [color=lightcoral]"Thank you,"[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]”Well, we all have room for improvement. It’s not like we’re real soldiers… we don’t exactly have the skillset to be out there fighting… whatever that was.”[/color] still, Emma leaned back in her chair, satisfied with Lily’s response. 
 
[color=8A3DFF]”Well, since you’re stuck in here and I’m intent to make sure you’re not lonely, we might as well get to know each other a little… after all, I haven’t really seen you outside of those battles. Is that alright?”[/color] Emma gave the girl a curious glance. Lily seemed nice enough, so the prospect of getting to know her a little better seemed nice to Emma.

[color=lightcoral]"Uh... yeah, I tend to keep to myself... I'm not exactly... an ideal person to be friends with but sure, it'll be nice to make another friend. I'd appreciate it,"[/color] Lily nodded, looking a little more relaxed than when Emma first stepped into the room. She heard a small chime from the phone that she had tucked beside her leg but she ignored it. There was only one person who seemed to bother sending her messages. Sebastian. Whoever he is, he could wait.

Emma’s smile brightened a little. [color=8A3DFF]”Right. More friends certainly doesn’t hurt, especially in our situation…”[/color] Emma looked up at the ceiling for a moment, considering where to start with Lily. [color=8A3DFF]”So, Lily, where’s home to you? Y’know, from before we became crazy supernatural child soldiers.”[/color]

The question instantly made the golden haired girl's smile turn into a frown. She sighed, lifted a hand and touched the part of her head where the open wound had been. Even the voices in chattering continuously in her head came to a screeching halt at the question. [color=lightcoral]"I don't remember,"[/color] she answered honestly. [color=lightcoral]"I was found near USARILN East with a big head wound and zero memory of who I am or where I came from. I don't even know if I had a family."[/color] 

[color=8A3DFF]”Oh…”[/color]
 
An uncomfortable moment of silence passed.
 
[color=8A3DFF]”I’m so sorry Lily… I couldn’t imagine what that’s like.”[/color] Emma shifted uncomfortably in her chair. Lily was, if anything else, very open. If she was so ready to say it, maybe she needed someone to talk to? [color=8A3DFF]”Well, uh… if you want to talk about it, I’m here… or…?[/color]

Lily's frown turned into a sheepish smile. [color=lightcoral]"Well, it doesn't really matter. I can't miss anyone or anything cause I don't remember them,"[/color] she shrugged and then glanced at her phone. [color=lightcoral]"Although, someone has been sending me messages and calling me on my phone...or at least they said that the phone was mine."[/color] She took the phone and glanced at the lit up screen. [color=lightcoral]"Twelve messages now,"[/color] she mused out loud. [color=lightcoral]"I'm not really sure if I wanna read them or not,"[/color] she said. She looked up at Emma again. [color=lightcoral]"Do you get messages from your family?"[/color] she asked.

Emma frowned. [color=8A3DFF]”No… not since… not since I’ve gotten here. Honestly, I kind of expected it from my parents… they never… never really liked subnaturals. But I thought my sister, at least would say something.”[/color] Emma subconsciously glanced towards her phone. She hadn’t looked at it in a couple of days, but it hadn’t rang or buzzed since she started blocking the people the that didn’t matter anymore.

It had been too long for her to keep hoping.

She sighed, [color=8A3DFF]”Well, if you want my opinion, you should at least see what they have to say. Aren’t you curious about where you’re from?”[/color]

Lily sighed and tucked her phone back by her leg. [color=lightcoral]"I am. But I'm not sure I wanna know why I was left behind almost dead near USARILN East or why I chose this,"[/color] she pointed at the X mark at the base of her neck.

Emma gave the girl a sad smile. [color=8A3DFF]”You never know. Maybe whoever left you out there had no choice. Maybe it was an accident… or maybe not. But either way, there’s only one way to find out.”[/color] Emma stretched out in there chair, nodding at the other girl’s X. [color=8A3DFF]”Sucks, doesn’t it? Take it from me, knowing how it happened doesn’t really help. You still gotta sit there and wonder where exactly things went wrong. Only thing we can do now is adjust. The X really does blow, though.”[/color]

Lily nodded. [color=lightcoral]"I'd say that Arbiters are better off but then again normal people are still afraid of them. Though it must be nice not to deal with so many voices in your head..."[/color] she paused for a moment before she stared wide eyed at Emma. [color=lightcoral]"Do you have voices whispering in your head too? It might just be me...?"[/color]

A hint of surprise crossed Emma’s face. Lily still doesn’t know about the Stigma? They’d been here for more than a week now, and among the students it was common knowledge. [color=8A3DFF]”Yes. It’s not just you, we call it a ‘Stigma’. All Aberrations have to deal with it, and it really sucks.”[/color]

Emma frowned a little. [color=8A3DFF]”If you’re having trouble with it, don’t worry, I don’t think any of us are really coping too well.”[/color]

Lily shrugged. [color=lightcoral]"Oh, I know what it's called. I just wasn't sure if it's the same for all X marked... plus..."[/color] she gestured to her head as though Emma could see the already healed wound she had there. [color=lightcoral]"I don't think anyone else suffered the same head injuries I did so... I dunno. I thought maybe I was just...uh...weirder than most."[/color] she finished with a small embarrassed smile.

Emma smiled. [color=8A3DFF]”I don’t think you’re weird, for whatever that’s worth. We all hear the voices, have those… urges, and…”[/color] Emma tapped her finger against her leg rhythmically. Another nervous tic, [color=8A3DFF]”Well, it’s hard for me too.”[/color] Emma was going to say more, but she left it a that. 

Lily nodded, feeling her mood lighten up a bit. It was nice having someone talk to for a change. [color=lightcoral][i]Maybe I should do this a bit more often and---[/i][/color] her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by her phone ringing. 

The small teenager jumped and nearly fell off the hospital bed in surprise. She blinked at Emma and then when she regained her composure, she looked down at the offending gadget and glared at it. 

Emma’s gaze also turned to the phone, followed by Lily herself.

[color=8A3DFF]”Are you going to answer it?”[/color]

An uncertain look was on Lily's face. [color=lightcoral]"Uhm..."[/color] Slowly, she reached out for it and stared at the screen. The name Sebastian stared back at her. She glanced at Emma, a slightly terrified look on her face before she finally lifted the phone to her ear. 

[color=lightcoral]"Uh..."[/color] the blonde said into the phone. 

[color=f7976a]"Hailey! You're okay. What---"[/color]

Lily removed the phone from her ear and stared at it. With a frown she laid it aside, not bothering to end the call. [color=lightcoral]"They must have made a mistake at USARILN. This phone isn't mine,"[/color] she looked at Emma and said with a flat tone of voice.

Emma frowned sympathetically. [color=8A3DFF]”I… I see. Well… the past isn’t everything. It’d be nice to know, but… we’re in the now, right?”[/color]

Emma gave the girl a slight smile, [color=8A3DFF]”I mean, I guess we’re all a team. ‘Experimental Unit B’. And we’re probably not getting out of here anytime soon… what I’m saying is that your family doesn’t have to be the people from your past… right?”[/color]

[color=lightcoral]"We're in the now..."[/color] Lily repeated, her head slowly nodding. [color=lightcoral]"I guess you're right. Can't always try to hold on to the past. I don't remember it anyway,"[/color] she smiled. [color=lightcoral]"It's nice that you came to see me. I'm not exactly as friendly and outgoing as you are."[/color] 

[color=8A3DFF]”Of course…”[/color] Emma gave a polite smile… not friendly or outgoing. Emma wasn’t always able to pull this off so easily, [color=8A3DFF]”Y’know, if you’re looking for friends you can always tag along with me to lunch.”[/color] 

Lily perked up at the offer, her smile brighter and her mood lighter. [color=lightcoral]"Really?"[/color] she asked with uncertainty in her voice.

[color=8A3DFF]"Yeah, of course… there’s a nice little group that usually meets up for lunch… Callan, Marcus, Siena, Ernie… they’re pretty good people.”[/color] Emma gave a little shrug, [color=8A3DFF]”And, y’know, they’re my friends… and now you’re my friend, so… why not? It’ll be fun.”[/color] 

[color=lightcoral]"Oh, I know Callan, Marcus and Siena,"[/color] she grinned, nodding her head excitedly, her mood lifting up a bit more. [color=lightcoral]"I'll look forward to it then."[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]"Right. It's a date."[/color] Emma leaned back in her chair, taking a glance at the clock, giving a small sigh, half-rueing how long she'd spent talking to Callan, [color=8A3DFF]"I've still got to see Siena and Hazel... I'm going to end up getting kicked out before I can finish my round at this rate."[/color] she gave a small laugh, [color=8A3DFF]"I'd like to stay longer, but..."[/color] Emma said, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly.

The amount of time Emma spent with her was more than enough for Lily. Most times she didn't think that any of her classmates would want to interact with her and it was nice that some of them actually did. She flashed Emma a bright smile. [color=lightcoral]"Oh, go ahead and see them."[/color]

[i]You think she wants to spend time with you? Look at her. She can't wait to get out of this room and away from you.[/i]

The golden haired girl's brow furrowed for a brief second as she tried to ignore the voice in her head and her smile wavered a bit. [color=lightcoral]"Thank you for coming to see me."[/color] She gesture to the flowers on her lap. [color=lightcoral]"Thank you for the pretty flowers too."[/color]

[color=8A3DFF]”Not a problem… it was nice talking to you.”[/color] Emma got up from the chair, [color=8A3DFF]”I’m glad you’re okay Lily. You made us pretty worried during the battle, but… I should be thanking you for what you did.”[/color] Emma gave the girl a smile, [color=8A3DFF]”I’ll see you soon, I’m sure.”[/color] she said, before heading towards the hospital room door.

Lily lifted a hand and was about to call Emma back when the phone beside her rang again, completely distracting her.
[/hider]

[hider=Lily and Angel: Strangers in the Night]
[url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/4345222]Link[/url]
[/hider]

[hider=Lily and Sophia: Trying to Sneak Out]
[center][h1][color=lightcoral]Lily[/color] | [color=BD892F]Sophia[/color][/h1]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/9yn6u85.png[/img] [img]http://i.imgur.com/eoV4Dgr.jpg[/img][/center]
[center][i]Collaboration of: [@Kyrisse] & [@VampireOracle][/i][/center]
[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/3R5vYYi.png?2[/img][/center][hr][center][b][color=gray]𝕋: 𝕊𝕖𝕡𝕥. 𝟙𝟝, 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟘   / /   𝕃𝕒 ℙ𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕒, 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕪𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕  / /   ℍ𝕠𝕤𝕡𝕚𝕥𝕒𝕝  / /   ~𝟚𝟚𝟘𝟘[/color][/b][/center][hr]

When Angelique left her room, Lily wondered why she was being kept in the hospital when she was perfectly fine. A few cuts and bruises weren't life threatening and they had hydrated her enough for her body to replenish the blood she lost in the battle. She looked at the closed door and narrowed her eyes at it. All she really needed to do was walk out of it, right?

With a determined nod of her head, she gently removed the tape that held her IV line secure on her arm. As soon as she had removed it, she took a deep breath and gave the IV line a quick pull. [color=lightcoral]"Ugh,"[/color] she wrinkled her nose when blood oozed out from where she had pulled the IV cannula from. She grabbed a couple of cotton balls from the table near her bed, pressed it onto the small wound and applied pressure on it.

And then without wasting any time, she swung her legs to the side of the bed and got down. She kept a firm grip on her hand to make sure that she didn't continue bleeding. If the doctors and nurses see that she's bleeding, she'll never get out of this boring place. She slipped on her shoes and hurried over to the door. She pressed her ear to it for a few seconds, trying to hear if anyone was coming. When she didn't hear anything, she opened the door a crack and peeked out.

The hallway outside was empty. 

[color=lightcoral][i]Perfect![/i][/color] 

[i]You'll get caught and they will strap you onto the bed like a madman, you know,[/i] came the all too familiar voice in her head.

[color=lightcoral]"Says you,"[/color] the blonde hissed irritatedly and then stealthily slipped out the door.

It had taken Sophia a long time before she had been ready to leave her motel room again, with its unfamiliar yet somewhat comforting bed. She would rather remain in the room, so she wouldn't have to see anyone or the town that was yet another place she didn't know. But Lily was supposed to be her friend-- they [i]were[/i] friends, so it would only be right to visit the Aberration. Especially considering that Lily was in the hospital, and considering the girl's powers. 

Still, she was tempted more than once to turn around and head back again. She'd had to find one of the guards to [i]talk[/i] to so as to let them know she was leaving the building. And then she would need to talk with Lily. It didn't help that Sophia had no idea what mood her friend would be in when she arrived. Memories of a cheerful, grinning Lily contrasted with images of a distraught, scared girl as she walked, making her way towards the nearby hospital.

Once in the hospital, she found out where Lily should be within a few minutes, but it wasn't easy as it should have been. Her normally quiet voice was even more muted today, only just loud to be heard by the two people who were used to her quiet whispers: her two sisters. It had taken many tries before she had gotten the information she needed regarding which room Lily was in.

At last, walking down that hall, she spotted a person of shorter stature, and a golden head of hair. Quickening her pace to catch up with her girl, she whispered, [color=BD892F]"Lily?"[/color]

Lily had just decided to head over to the door at the end of the corridor when she heard someone whisper her name. The voice wasn't really loud and was somewhat familiar but it still made her heart beat faster than normal. She froze in place, one leg lifted to take that supposedly quiet step towards freedom. She would've thought it was funny if it weren't for that irritation of being caught. 

Her mind scrambled for an excuse on why she was out of the hospital room. [color=lightcoral]"I-I was just gonna go look for something to eat. Donuts. I think someone forgot to bring me some and..."[/color] she slowly turned around as she voiced out her alibi. 

As soon as her eyes fell on Sophia's face, a relieved look came over hers and she grinned widely. [color=lightcoral]"Oh, it's you, Sophia! I thought you were one of the nurses or doctors,"[/color] she giggled, obviously in one of her happier moods.

No one had brought Lily donuts? Perhaps that was one of her favorite foods. Noting the relief, then the grin on Lily's face, she responded with a small smile of her own, starting out a little forced but growing more genuine as she saw that Lily looked well enough. [color=BD892F]"Yeah, it's me. Sorry I didn't bring anything... am I interrupting?"[/color]

Lily grinned sheepishly. [color=lightcoral]"I was actually trying to sneak out,"[/color] she admitted with a quick glance around. [color=lightcoral]"Was it difficult to get in?"[/color]

[color=BD892F]"Sneak out?"[/color] Sophia parroted Lily without realizing it. Were the nurses not treating her nicely? Or did she just not like hospitals? [color=BD892F]"Well it wasn't hard, but... I got noticed. There are guards around and all?"[/color] She looked Lily over once more. [color=BD892F]"They haven't been mean?"[/color]

Lily wrinkled her nose. How would she sneak out if there are guards? [color=lightcoral]"No, they haven't been mean. They mostly stay away from me. And I was just bored,"[/color] she explained.

[color=BD892F]"Mhmm."[/color] Okay, so it was boredom. Good thing that she had come then, right? Except that she didn't know what exactly she should be saying now. It was nice to see that Lily was fine and everything, but apart from that she wasn't much of a conversationalist. [color=BD892F]"Well... I came to see you and uh, maybe keep you company and make sure you were alright? After the battle and everything?"[/color] Was the fighting something she should be bringing up? Ugh. To her dismay, she felt her eyes begin to sting, a sign that tears might very well be on the way if she didn't do something about it. Turning her head away, she blinked rapidly before looking back at Lily, smile gone.

[color=lightcoral]"Oh, I'm okay. I wasn't really hurt... well, not really after---"[/color] Lily stopped short, noticing the change in the other girl's mood. With a sigh, she stepped forward, grabbed her hand and led her back to the room she had been confined in. [color=lightcoral]"Might as well make sure I don't get you in trouble,"[/color] she said as she pulled Sophia into the room and shut the door carefully. [color=lightcoral]"Are you okay?"[/color]

It felt strange, to be taken by the hand and led by someone else. Shouldn't it be the other way around? Then there was that question. [i]"Are you okay?"[/i] That was what everyone always asked, but how many people ever really got a truthful answer? It was often just too hard to explain properly, and it took her too long to begin. So long that they would walk away before she was even ready. And so, [color=BD892F]"I'm fi-"[/color] Sophia stopped abruptly in the middle of that well used word. She used it often, but this time, maybe, she didn't want to use it again. 

But she always took too long. 

[color=BD892F]"I don't know."[/color] She sighed, fighting the pricking in her eyes once more. [color=BD892F]"I [i]should[/i] be."[/color]

The strangely perceptive bipolar Aberration peered into the taller girl's face with a curious look. [color=lightcoral]"It's okay not to be okay. We were hurt, people died. I would be surprised if you were happy and cheerful,"[/color] she stopped and blinked, realizing that she was describing her current mood. [color=lightcoral]"Uh... not that I'm happy and cheerful about what happened,"[/color] she quickly explained. [color=lightcoral]"It's just nice to have people visit,"[/color] she gestured towards the table where the bouquet Emma brought her laid.

Sophia listened to Lily, turning her friend's words over and over in her mind. She still thought it wasn't quite right that it was Lily trying to comfort her, it seemed strange. And she didn't want to burden her, when the girl had many more issues than she did. There was silence for a bit between them as Sophia thought, her gaze flickering over to Lily before looking around the room instead. When she spoke again, there was a heaviness to the quiet voice. She got what Lily had said about being happy out of the way first. [color=BD892F]"No, I think it's... good that you can... remain happy even after everything happens?"[/color] She sighed. [color=BD892F]"I like seeing you smile."[/color] A small smile to accompany her words.

There was still more she wanted to say, but... it wasn't necessary. She shouldn't bring up Sav. She struggled to come up with something else that sounded [i]okay[/i], but instead something else burst out as she twisted her hands together. [color=BD892F]"It's not okay to not be okay."[/color] She began to shake her head slowly, tears now beginning to fall. [color=BD892F]"Because everyone else isn't okay either... so then... if they all thought the same way, then no one would be happy. We all have something that isn't right, something that's happened and-- I don't know."[/color] What was she babbling about? Was she even making sense? [color=BD892F]"Someone has to look okay."[/color]

[color=lightcoral]"Someone has to look okay..."[/color] the small blonde repeated, paused for a beat and then shook her head. [color=lightcoral]"At one point we all try to look okay. But once in a while, it's okay to show that we're scared and we're sad. And we just have to do our best to stay together and stay alive..."[/color] a dark look settled over her face as she remembered the faces of the dead. Savannah's face was mixed in with Padma's and Alexis' and those 'fake' people she killed in Ground Zero.

[i]With you, everyone will eventually die,[/i] a single voice in her head whispered.

[color=lightcoral]"If only I had a power similar to Benediction..."[/color] she muttered in a low voice.

A sniffle. Then a nod. Pressing the palms of her hands to her eyes for a moment, when she removed them she made an effort to look a bit more perky. Lily was probably right about what she was saying, but still, it was hard to fight off the feeling that it was her duty to stay okay. Though maybe she could let herself be sad and not okay for a little while. Then once they returned to USARILN East, she could start again and be "okay" once more. [color=BD892F][i]Maybe I can even try to get stronger and better? Maybe?[/i][/color] Missing whatever it was that Lily had muttered, she nodded once more. [color=BD892F]"Yeah, I guess you're right. We just have to do our best... and yeah."[/color] Meeting the Aberration's gaze, she whispered, [color=BD892F]"Thanks."[/color]

The thanks that Sophia whispered made Lily perk up just like she did when Emma invited her to hang out with her and when Angelique spoke encouraging words to her. She felt needed and useful. It was a wonderful feeling.

One that was dampened a little by the voices that continued echoing in her head. 

[i]You're not useful. You're not helping anyone. You're good for destruction. The bringer of death.[/i]

[color=lightcoral]"I wonder if I would have been better if I chose a different path..."[/color] she wondered out loud, openly staring at the white mark on Sophia's cheek.

Seeing how Lily was looking at a certain spot on her face, her hand drifted up to trace the white mark there. Arbiter versus Aberration. She still didn't know much about the two different groups, but she knew about the Stigma. And the dreams. She could still remember her dream, she doubted she would ever forget it. Things probably would have been very different should she have chosen the other path, but different how? 

[color=BD892F]"I... don't know, Lily. I don't know if anyone will ever be able to figure out what would have happened if we would have chosen the other path. But..."[/color] she thought back to what Lily had just said a minute or two ago. [color=BD892F]"You said it yourself. You still just have to do your best, and as... bad as it sounds, there's no changing it."[/color] She rubbed a finger roughly against her mark. [color=BD892F]"I've wished many times that I could just rub this away and go back. But I can't, and we just have to deal with it."[/color] Another sigh. [color=BD892F]"I'm not helping, am I?"[/color]

Lily looked lost in thought and didn't appear to be listening. But when she spoke, it was obvious that she heard every word. [color=lightcoral]"Yes, there's no changing it. We just have to do our best,"[/color] she agreed. [color=lightcoral]"Sometimes I just wonder what made me choose what I chose. I can't even remember the dream and the nightmare that came with it..."[/color] she paused again, a thought occurring to her. [color=lightcoral]"Arbiters are good and Aberrations are... well, anomalies, right? Does that mean that we'll eventually have to fight each other?"[/color]

Wait, what? Sophia looked surprised, her eyes widening slightly. [color=BD892F]"No! I don't think so. It wouldn't make sense, they've already made us a team, right? We're supposed to work together as a team. They wouldn't bring us together just to tear us apart later. Don't think that, Lily."[/color] She spoke with unusual firmness, not allowing herself to believe that even USARILN would have such... unpleasant plans for them.

Lily pursed her lips, looking thoughtful for a moment before finally nodding her head. [color=lightcoral]"Okay,"[/color] she said. She looked like she was about to say something else when the phone she had left on the bed began ringing, the name Sebastian flashing on the screen. The golden-haired girl furrowed her brow and glanced irritatedly at the gadget. [color=lightcoral]"That person keeps calling the phone. I should really return it to USARILN the first chance I get. I don't know why they would give me a phone that belongs to someone else,"[/color] she muttered in a frustrated tone.

The ringing of the phone made Sophia start, and she looked over at it curiously. [color=BD892F]"That's strange,"[/color] she admitted. [color=BD892F]"Have you tried picking up and asking what the person wants or telling them it's the wrong number? Then maybe he or she will stop."[/color]

[color=lightcoral]"But is it the wrong number if it belongs to the person he's calling?"[/color] Lily made a small humming sound while tapping one foot irritatedly. [color=lightcoral]"He's looking for someone named Hailey."[/color]

Oh, oops. She had forgotten the part about how the phone might have belonged to someone else. But it didn't make sense, how Lily would have ended up with something that wasn't hers. [color=BD892F]"Hailey..."[/color] she mused over the name, wondering who this Hailey might be. If this Hailey kept getting calls from the same person, maybe she was important to this caller. [color=BD892F]"Where did you get the phone, anyway?"[/color]

[color=lightcoral]"The doctors gave it to me when I woke up. I think they thought it was mine. Maybe belonged to someone else they brought in the same time as me,"[/color] Lily explained as the phone finally stopped ringing and instead chimed several times signaling the arrival of several text messages.

[color=BD892F]"Hmm... maybe,"[/color] Sophia said, gazing thoughtfully at the phone. When it started to chime, she bit her lip. What was so important that this person kept getting messaged and called? Repeatedly, from what Lily had said. She felt her curiosity peaking, wanting to know more about this mysterious caller and person. [color=BD892F]"What [i]do[/i] the messages say?"[/color] The question was asked tentatively; would Lily get angry if Sophia seemed like she was prying?

[color=lightcoral]"I've read a few of them. He just keeps apologizing, asking how the owner is doing and promising to come and get her."[/color] A dreamy look came over the X-marked face. [color=lightcoral]"It must be nice having someone worry that much for you..."[/color]

There wasn't really anything that she could do about these calls, though it did kind of bother her that there was someone out there looking for this girl, not knowing that the owner of the phone had changed hands. [color=BD892F]"I hope he finds this girl one day,"[/color] Sophia murmured. Changing the subject, she glanced around the room that Lily was staying in. [color=BD892F]"Do you know when you'll be let out of here?"[/color]

The change in topic made Lily immediately forget about her concerns about the phone, Hailey and Sebastian. [color=lightcoral]"I don't know. I wanted to go out now. But if I get caught, they'll drag me back in here and you'll get into trouble too,"[/color] she pouted.

Sophia frowned, thinking about the time. It had already been getting late when she had come here, so it would probably be best to head back to the motel soon. [color=BD892F]"Maybe you could go and ask one of the nurses and convince them to let you out? I probably will be going back soon, so..."[/color]

[color=lightcoral]"I didn't think they'd listen to what I would say..."[/color] Lily said in a small voice but walked over to the bed, pocketed the phone and nodded. [color=lightcoral]"I think they're too afraid of me to actually want to keep me here so I guess it's worth a shot."[/color] She headed towards the door.

A few minutes later, a giggling Lily walked out of the hospital side by side with Sophia. [color=lightcoral]"That was easier than I thought!"[/color] she exclaimed. She just barraged the nurses with one sentence after the next explaining why she should be let go and how she was feeling fine. The poor flustered woman merely stared at her and nodded.

Now outdoors, Sophia performed a cursory glance of her surroundings, finishing with her gaze on the giggling Lily. [color=BD892F][i]She's the only person I ever talk to,[/i][/color] she realized. Her interactions with people inside of USARILN East had been limited to a few muttered sentences here and there, nothing more. But with Lily... she got the feeling that Lily would not judge her so heavily, at least not as much as the other students might? They had only really interacted three or four times so far, but she hoped that it would continue this way. She hoped, even though there were many doubts and worries that the more she got to know Lily, the harder it would become to talk.

She shouldn't be thinking about that now. [color=BD892F][i]Enjoy it while you can.[/i][/color]

[color=BD892F]"The motel we're staying in is just a few blocks away."[/color]

Lily nodded and continued walking side by side with Sophia. [color=lightcoral]"It should be fun to be staying with other students for a change. Although, I should probably look for a single room to stay in alone. Just like back home..."[/color] she paused. [color=lightcoral]"...I mean USARILN East."[/color]

It’ll probably sound weird to Sophia that she called the school home. But to Lily, who had no recollection on who she is and where she came from, it made sense to call the place home.

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[hr][h2]September 16[/h2]
[hider=Emma, Zoe, Lily, Ernie, Brent and Angel: Scream in the Night]
[url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/4346208]Link[/url]
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