[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/tmtXHZ4.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/SqhcfKy.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/qpk2y0k.png[/img][/center]
[center][sub][color=silver]ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕒𝕓𝕠𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 ℙ𝕠𝕤𝕥   / /   [@Diggerton][@Baklava][/color][/sub][/center][hr][hr][center][color=silver]𝕎𝕖𝕕: 𝕆𝕔𝕥. 𝟙𝟜, 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟘   / /   𝕌𝕊𝔸ℝ𝕀𝕃ℕ ℂ𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕦𝕤   / /  𝕆𝕦𝕥𝕤𝕚𝕕𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝔹𝕦𝕚𝕝𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔹  / /   𝟙𝟞𝟘𝟘[/color][/center][hr][hr]
[hider=big sister]
[color=8A3DFF]"Dude, don't fucking smoke in here. Don't need my room smelling like cigarettes."[/color] Emma swatted at Determination, making a weak attempt to swipe her cigarette, but Determination quickly dodged, ducking away. [color=8A3DFF]"You already fucked up the room once..."[/color]

[color=580ACC]"Hey man, c'mon, let a girl do her thing."[/color] Determination had a slight grin, backing towards the door, holding the cigarette to her side.

[color=8A3DFF]"When did you start smoking anyways? Where did you get that?"[/color] it wasn't like Emma was surprised - Determination was just like Riley, it followed that she'd have the same vices. Still, if you had told her that the tulpa would be a chainsmoker when she first got it she certainly wouldn't have believed that. 

Determination just shrugged, [color=580ACC]"I'm crafty, you know that, right?"[/color] Determination backed to the door, slipping it open, [color=580ACC]"Anyways, outside. Just since you asked."[/color] she said with a wry smile, heading out.

[color=8A3DFF]"Right..."[/color]

[hr]

Two seconds through the door of her dorm room was all it took for Callan to decide she needed a little more time [i]not[/i] around Marcus. She needed more time to figure things out. Ernie was right. It'd be best if she just played along. She could do that, couldn't she? Act like nothing had changed? It was pretty close to the truth anyway... wasn't it? Aside from her slip up that morning, she hadn't done anything wrong! 

Right?

She hadn't [i]planned[/i] on doing anything either! Why was that tulpa asking so many questions anyway? And who gave it the right to make so many assumptions? 

...

Her face burned, embarrassed by the memory.

Even so... if she wanted things to stay as they were, she'd need to make sure [i]everyone[/i] was on board.

She needed to talk to Det again. That much was certain. 

Callan circled the grounds a few times, glancing up at the general location of Emma's dorm window every now and then. She couldn't just knock and ask to speak to Determination, could she? That would be super weird. Emma would ask about what they talked about. Det might make a scene. By the time lap four rolled around, Callan had soundly convinced herself that trying to confront the tulpa was a god-awful idea. One of the worst things she'd ever thought to do aside from getting to know Marcus's girlfriend. 

But, hey. Plenty of [i]good[/i] things had come from being friends with Emma. Even with the feeling of impending doom hanging over her head, she didn't regret it. At least, that's what she tried to tell herself when, just as she was about to pass the doors of Building B one last time, the unmistakable hue of blue hair came strolling outside, cigarette in hand and bitchy expression in place.

Callan froze, caught between flight or fight for a moment before she forced the tension out of her shoulders. She could do this. 

"[color a2d9ce]Hey Det,[/color]" Callan said, forcing herself not to nervously smile as well. 

Determination turned slowly, bringing the cigarette down from her mouth. [color=580ACC]”Huh…?”[/color] she took a moment to process the voice and the person she was looking at. Really? So soon? Determination’s face moved away from surprise, quickly finding an effortless grin. [color=580ACC]”Heeeeeeeeeeeeey Cal!”[/color] she said with none of the likely expected awkwardness, instead sounding perfectly normal. 

[color=580ACC]”Wassup?”[/color] she said, taking a puff of smoke into her mouth.

Callan couldn't keep up. Her expression warped into a small grimace that was meant to be a smile. How was she supposed to respond to a greeting like that? 

"[color a2d9ce]Can we talk?[/color]" she asked simply, eyes darting from the cigarette to Det's eyes behind the shades. Don't look away. You can do this. 

Determination’s grin only grew wider as she exhaled, [color=580ACC]”What, exactly, do we have to talk about kelp head?”[/color]

Flinching only a little, Callan glanced behind the tulpa briefly as she responded, "[color a2d9ce]I'll tell you, but first...[/color]" 

She paused for a moment, thinking, "[color a2d9ce]Maybe we could sit down? There's a table over there.[/color]" She nodded towards the outside of Building C where a cluster of empty tables seemed like as good a place as any for a private chat. 

[color=580ACC]”Right. Sure thing.”[/color] Determination gave a slight wink and headed to the tables. She picked the nearest one, taking a seat on the top and resting her feet on the bench.

Even though she'd been the one to suggest it, Callan ended up following the taller girl's lead-- thrown off again by the playful gesture. Not that she minded the extra time to compose herself while her back was turned. Det's carefree smile hadn't been doing a whole lot for her nerves either. Reaching the table, she hesitated, watching the tulpa sit down with a slight frown-- like she'd been hoping she might not sit that way. With a subdued sigh, Callan sat on the bench parallel to Det's feet. She gave the tulpa plenty of space.

Another short sigh through her nose, and she spoke, "[color a2d9ce]Uhm... I think... it's possible there might've been a misunderstanding this morning.[/color]" 

Determination raised an eyebrow. [color=580ACC]"Oh, really? Do tell, kelp head."[/color] she said, grin unmoving.

Her eye twitched. That nickname... wasn't growing on her. 

"[color a2d9ce]I'm not messing with Emma's relationship,[/color]" she said cautiously, though her voice was far more certain than she'd been on the roof that morning. No shaking or looking away.

"[color a2d9ce]And I have absolutely [i]no[/i] intention of doing anything like that.[/color]"

[color=580ACC]”Oh? Is that so? Wow, Cal, why didn’t you just lead with that one?! Things would’ve been totally fine! Phew, good thing we got that cleared up, huh?”[/color] Determination’s voice dripped with sarcasm. 
 
She stood up, standing on the bench and then shifting to sitting on it, spreading her legs out and folding her hands together, [color=580ACC]”It’s not that easy Cal. Because to be completely honest I don’t really trust people, least of all you.”[/color] her voice was markedly more serious now, whatever grin she had on before now gone.

The sarcasm came as less of a surprise this time around, but it still shook her a bit. As did Det's closing proximity. Still, she'd steeled herself for this sort of response. Or tried to.

"[color a2d9ce]That's fair,[/color]" Callan said, still facing forward, "[color a2d9ce]But I wanted to say it anyway...[/color]" She took another breathe before shifting in her seat, just enough to see the tulpa beside her. "[color a2d9ce]That,[/color]" her eyes narrowed slightly, "[color a2d9ce]And I wanted to make sure we were both on the same page....[/color]" 

"[color a2d9ce]Emma can't find out about this.[/color]" 

[color=580ACC]”Is that what you think?”[/color]

Determination’s eyes for a moment dared Callan, but she leaned back, sighing, [color=580ACC]”You’re probably right, though. Emma can’t find out about this. Are you saying that for her benefit, or yours?”[/color]

Callan's stare sharpened for a fraction of a second. "[color a2d9ce][i]Hers![/i][/color]" she answered firmly, "[color a2d9ce]Especially after what you told me... Either way, I meant what I said before. I want them both to be happy. That's all.[/color]" 

...was it? 

As usual, she spoke without thinking. It was true that she'd inevitably benefit from this agreement. Maintaining her ability to be friends with both Emma and Marcus. 'Could be worse'... the words she said to Sander suddenly felt like an ominous forecast, but she didn't want to think on it further.

She didn't want Emma to get hurt. That was just as true. Backlash aside, the idea of Emma being in any sort of distress over [i]her own[/i] stupid mistake was an unbearable concept. One she felt would likely eat her up inside forever.

Callan propped her elbows up, running her fingers through her bangs anxiously. She sighed, amethyst eyes settling on a large chip in the table, "[color a2d9ce]Not to mention, Emma's got enough on her plate right now. You know. You probably know her better than anyone... I just don't want to be part of the problem.[/color]" She glanced up at Det, expression suddenly a little apologetic. She chose not to elaborate, though the meaning seemed clear enough.

She shook her head incredulously, "[color a2d9ce]I don't know why you're asking me anyway. I'm just gonna lie, aren't I?[/color]" She smiled uncomfortably, "[color a2d9ce]Look, I just need you to promise me you won't tell her.[/color]" 

Determination smirked at that, taking a drag from her cigarette. [color=580ACC]”Sharp, kelp head. I don’t trust people, you’re right. Well, I’m not one to make promises, but I’ll tell you that I probably won’t tell Emma unless you give me a reason to. You’re right, after all, she doesn’t need to know…”[/color] Determination gestured vaguely into the air, [color=580ACC]”Well, there’s a lot she doesn’t need to know.”[/color]

Callan didn't comment on that. She knew what Det was referring to. More importantly-- what would give someone like her a reason to tell Emma? She pursed her lips, discontent with the tulpa's answer in more ways than one. She didn't like keeping all these secrets. Even if it was to spare her friend's feelings, it didn't sit right with her. 

Could she try not to think about it? For how long? What if she slipped up again? What if Emma found out she knew all along but didn't tell her? How was she supposed to deal with this if Det wouldn't promise??

Determination looked down. God, this was awkward. This was really awkward. Every single second that passed kelp head looked more and more depressed and it made Determination feel more and more [i]weird[/i]. 

[color=580ACC]”Hey, listen…”[/color] she didn’t think she felt guilty, just off, at least that’s what she told herself, [color=580acc]”Just… ugh. Things will probably shake out alright, kid.”[/color] Determination said, running her free hand over the back of her head awkwardly. 

Callan slumped over the table, massaging her forehead. "[color a2d9ce]Yeah,[/color]" she muttered, unconvinced. It took her a moment to remember who she was talking to. Was that sympathy? She scoffed again, laughing humorlessly under her breath. Must be bad if [i]she[/i] was feeling sorry for her. "[color a2d9ce]We'll see,[/color]" she sighed.

Students and staff alike roamed around Building C. It wasn't uncommon for students to arrive late for the lunch period these days, a fact only exemplified by the lack of classes on campus. A group of four, three aberrations and one arbiter, were making light conversation as they strolled to the cafeteria.

[color=f7976a]"--don't fucking think so, man. I've seen the shit he gets up to at GZ,"[/color] a tall, X-marked blond drawled, hands in his pockets. [color=f7976a]"'f you ask me, he--...yo, you lost?"[/color]

The sentence was cut off as he caught sight of the tulpa, a displeased expression lining his face.

Determination looked away from Callan, towards the aberration. She had a distinctly unamused look on her face, glaring down the blond-haired boy as she took a drag from her cigarette. [color=580ACC]”Do I look lost?”[/color] she said, gesturing for them to move on.  

[color=f7976a]"No mark, no visitor or staff tags,"[/color] he took a haughty step towards her, [color=f7976a]"You look like proof that Zhang's guard dogs don't get paid enough. How'd you even get into campus?"[/color]

[color=580ACC]”Hey, since you seem to be a little slow lemme elaborate a little on what I just said: not lost, as you can see I’m having a chat with my pal over here,”[/color] Determination vaguely gestured towards Callan, [color=580ACC]”Staff hasn’t thrown me out, so maybe take that as a hint that I’m supposed to be here, [i]buddy[/i].”[/color] 

[color=f7976a]"Right, your subnatural [i]pal[/i],"[/color] the teen rolled his eyes, [color=f7976a]"And if I go around carrying Rosa's paperwork for her that makes me one of Zhang's official assistants. Cut the fucking bullshit, Reg."[/color]

"[color a2d9ce]Hey![/color]" Callan wasn't sure why she was speaking up. It wasn't as if Det couldn't handle herself. She turned in her seat to more fully face the group. Even if she had been a regular, this guy was being totally rude. "[color a2d9ce]Chill out and mind your own business, dude,[/color]" she frowned, "[color a2d9ce]She's not bothering anybody.[/color]"

[color=f7976a]"Fuck, I don't wanna hear that from you!"[/color] Another X, a black-haired boy, sneered, [color=f7976a]"What happened? Arb roommates treat you so badly you had to sneak a Reg past the guards just to make you feel better?"[/color]

Determination stood up, flicking her cigarette away, now fully turning towards the posse of subs, [color=580ACC]”Hey, jackass, try to listen to the girl. Mind your own fucking business, alright? Go tell the teacher on me or whatever, just fuck off, alright?”[/color]  

The lead blond blinked. Watched the cigarette drop to the ground.

[color=f7976a]"Actually..."[/color] he smiled and nodded to his group. Determination's arms became pinned to her sides, an invisible force holding them in place as the last Aberration, a purple-haired girl, began to glow. The blond's hands began morphing, enlarging with sharp protrusions emerging from the tips of his fingers.

[color=f7976a]"That's not such a bad idea! We'll see what the office has to say about you, 'kay?"[/color]

Callan jumped to her feet in alarm, quickly trying to gauge their intentions.

Determination’s frown turned more distinct, [color=580ACC]”Hey, fuck…!”[/color] she struggled for a moment, but quickly stopped. She looked over the subs, back towards Building B. For once her mental link with Emma would be good for more than just bothering her.
 
[color=580acc][i]Hey, Em, find a window that faces Building C, alright?[/i][/color]
 
[color=8A3DFF][i]What?[/i][/color] 
 
[color=580ACC][i]Fuck dude, just do it! I’m about to do some cool shit! Quick![/i][/color]
 
A couple of seconds later and Determination’s frown turned into a slight smile, [color=580ACC]”Man, someone should really teach you retards a lesson.”[/color] Determination, very suddenly, disappeared. [color=580ACC]”Boo!”[/color] she shouted, popping up behind the blond aberration and sending a fist flying towards his head.

The telekinetic girl had been on guard as soon as Determination disappeared, her cocky shout only serving as a cue for her incoming attack. She swerved the blond sidewards to avoid the fist. The boy tumbled to his side a distance away, though he barked a sharp [color=f7976a]"Harry!"[/color]as he got to his feet. In response, the black-haired boy snarled at the tulpa's feet, a jet of green flame bursting from his mouth.

Determination’s feet were only barely singed by the time she disappeared again. She reappeared almost instantly, free of injury, above the blond haired boy. She remembered watching a clip of Macho Man jumping off the ropes and slamming some dude in the head with his elbow, deciding to do her best to replicate that move sans rope. 

The blond yelped as he was yanked away again, out of the path of the elbow.

[color=f7976a]"Fucking get her already!"[/color] he yelled, being maneuvered upright by the girl this time.

[color=580ACC]”Hey, stop fucking doing that!”[/color] Determination called out. She really did [i]not[/i] want to hit a girl, but she was starting to get really annoying. She grunted, pushing herself up. Her elbow had flown right past the boy into the pavement. Luckily she was durable enough to not break it, but there was now a inky black scrape where she made contact. Determination lunged after the blond boy, now making her best effort to tackle him.

It was like a carrot on a stick. The boy was pulled backwards, quickly enough to avoid the lunge. Another burst of flame met Determination for her efforts, creating a barrier between her and the boy that would quickly swing towards the tulpa.

[color=580ACC]”Ah, fuck!”[/color] Determination pulled back from the flame before disappearing once again.
 
[color=8a3DFF][i]Wow, this is getting really out of hand.[/i][/color] Emma remarked to herself in the distance, watching the scene from Building B, taking a sip from her mug.

Meanwhile, Callan watched on with significantly more apprehension, stepping a little closer and breath hitching in her throat when Det threw the first punch. Clearly the tulpa's safety wasn't the one she was concerned about. But it wasn't like she could do much with her poofing all over the place like that.

"[color a2d9ce]Whoa, hey![/color]" she shouted, more in protest to both parties as green flames crossed her path. She shielded her eyes briefly out of habit, quickly trying to relocate the blue haired girl.

When Determination came back this time it was near the picnic tables. She plucked up one of the benches, flinging it towards the blond haired boy. [color=580ACC]”You kids are still free to go ahead and fuck off!”[/color] 

But the bench didn't travel far. Space itself seemed to warp, fold in on itself then stretch out as the last member of the blond's party, a bespectacled Arbiter, stared intently at the distance with his bright silver eyes. The bench snapped in half as it hit the ground, travelling only a fifth of the initial trajectory.

[color=f7976a]"This is so not worth,"[/color] the Arbiter hissed.

[color=f7976a]"Shut up, Martin!"[/color] the blond snapped back, [color=f7976a]"Harry!"[/color]

By now, green flames were covering a good portion of the concrete. Whatever was still smoldering began to rise, accumulating into a flaming orb that flew towards Determination.

Determination, expectedly, flickered away, now appearing behind the party.
 
[color=580ACC][i]C’mon, Em, please! These guys clearly are totally trying to fucking [i]murder[/i] me![/i][/color]
 
[color=8A3DFF][i]You can’t die.[/i][/color]
 
[color=580ACC][i]I’m well aware of that, but they fucking aren’t![/i][/color]
 
[color=8A3DFF][i]I really don’t think I should be encouraging you here… but they are kind of assholes. Alright, let’s see how this works out. I think I’ve finally got this shit on lock, so we might as well have a little test. Just don’t do anything too severe, alright?[/i][/color]
 
Determination smirked. [color=580ACC]”Alright, I’ve had enough of this shit! You wanna fight, let’s fucking fight!”[/color] as Determination spoke the forms of Love, Devotion, and Charity appeared behind her. [color=580ACC]”Last chance, fuckface!”[/color] she said, eyeing the blond haired aberration.

[color=f7976a]"You're fucking--"[/color] the Arbiter groaned as backup arrived, [color=f7976a]"Fuck this, man."[/color]

He raised his hands in surrender, backing away. The blond Aberration shot him a deadly glare before turning to the newly summoned tulpas. A giant, clawed fist was thrust at Determination, stretching unnaturally towards her while her arms got pinned again. The flaming orb split apart, green embers shooting like arrows at the clearly inhuman figures. 

[color=580ACC][i]Em, move us out of the fucking way![/i][/color] 
 
Emma was quick to follow up on the order, the posse of tulpas flickering away and now back to the other side of the subs. [color=580ACC]”Love, pull the girl!”[/color] as she called out the tulpa raised its hand, attempting to pull the girl towards it with its power. Determination really wanted to say something smarmy like ‘how about a taste of your own medicine, bitch!’ but she still had two other tulpas to think about.
 
Being a leader was fucking hard.
 
[color=580ACC]”Charity, Devotion, powers on the blond!”[/color] she called out, the two following the order, a purple link now appearing between the boy and Charity, quickly followed by a gout of sludge underneath him. Determination herself moved to rush down the black-haired fire breather, charging him, winding up for a punch.

The telekinetic's concentration was broken as she was pulled back, a high-pitched shriek leaving her mouth when she fell on her ass. As per Determination's orders, a pool of sludge made the blond's feet sink beneath him, trapping him in that spot. Identifying the perpetrator as one of the remaining two shadows, he grabbed at Charity with one of his stretching fists and hurled it at Devotion. Determination's rush was met with another geyser of flame, though it clearly had less volume than the previous spouts.

Determination was very nearly caught off guard by the gout of flame, distracted by the flying Charity. She barley managing to get off an [color=580ACC][i]Em, fucking get Ch-[/i][/color] before she realized she had to move first, fading out and coming back in to the side of the fire breather, now right next to him, trying to punch him before he had the chance to react. She realized that a full on hit from her would take off the kid's head, so she held back, intending only to knock him out.

Emma, meanwhile, pieced together Determination's order all too late, watching Charity and Devotion fly into each other and disappear. She quickly respawned them, but Determination was too distracted to notice and Emma was too far to try to order them.

Knock him out, she did. The fire-breather dropped like a sack of bricks, not quite unconscious but too dazed and prone to do anything coherent. The green flames remained sprinkled around the brawl.

[color=f7976a]"Charity and..."[/color] the Arbiter muttered from his safe spot, paling as he pieced together the names, [color=f7976a]"Shit. Guys, stop! They're Pandora's guys!"[/color]

[color=f7976a]"What?"[/color] the girl replied, distracted.

Meanwhile, freed from the sludge, the blond attacked again. A furious roar sounded as the giant fist swung at Determination.

[color=580ACC]”Ding ding ding, jackass!”[/color] Determination called out as the arbiter finally pieced things together, but she was quickly cut off by the fist of the blond. Determination disappeared, reappearing behind Love. [color=580ACC]”Pull him!”[/color] she called out, running towards the blond with the intent to grab him as he went off balance. 

The girl did nothing as the blond was stumbled and seized, backing away like the Arbiter did earlier. The remaining fighter struggled vainly in Determination's grip.

[color=f7976a]"What the fuck...[i]are[/i] you?"[/color] he snarled.

Determination grinned as she hovered over the boy, [color=580ACC]”I’m your worst nightmare.”[/color] she put on her best Kevin Conroy impression, putting her upmost into sounding as menacing as possible, letting the words stew for a moment, gauging the boy’s reaction, for just a moment feeling both like a gigantic badass and a total idiot.

The Arbiter coughed out a poorly held laugh. The Aberration only responded with a meek and confused, [color=f7976a]"Huh?"[/color]

Determination glanced up at the arbiter quickly, flashing a grin, before looking back down at the blond-haired boy. She thought for a moment, trying to compose herself back into the image of Batman, but she just couldn’t, instead letting out a loud laugh at her own joke. [color=580ACC]”Ah, fuck, I can’t take that seriously.”[/color] she warily took her hands off the boy, tossing him to the ground, [color=580ACC]”Alright, you can go. I’m letting you off easy, okay? Didn’t you hear your friend? You’re messing with the famous Pandora and her highly glamorous companion, Determination.”[/color] she smirked, any semblance of seriousness now long gone. 

[color=f7976a]"Fuck you. Fuck you an--"[/color]

[color=f7976a]"Holy [i]shit[/i], Bren, shut the fuck up already,"[/color] the Arbiter, Martin, groaned. [color=f7976a]"Eliza, can you get Harry for us?"[/color]

The girl complied with a nervous nod, walking to the fire-breather and draping his arm over her shoulder in lieu of using her powers. He moaned something to her while the Arbiter addressed Determination.

[color=f7976a]"You really should get a 'Guest' tag or something. A lotta guys here won't be as friendly as us if they see a 'Reg'."[/color]

And just like that, it was over. Callan, who up until then had been clutching the sides of her head while the chaos ensued, relaxed her posture and sighed tiredly. "[color a2d9ce][i]That[/i] was supposed to be friendly?[/color]" she muttered, glancing at Det. 

Det merely glanced at Cal, aiming her newfound grin at her before turning towards Martin, [color=580ACC]"Isn't this just way more fun though?"[/color]she said with a voice that was hard to place, somewhere between sarcasm and genuine glee. 

He rolled his eyes. [color=f7976a]"For them, maybe. I just wanted some taquitos."[/color] A glare was thrown at Harry and Brendan. [color=f7976a]"Hospital food better make up for it."[/color]

[color=580ACC]"Oof, sucks to suck."[/color] Det said, turning back towards Callan, [color=580ACC]"Emma's coming down, by the way, so if there's anything else you gotta clear up now’s the time."[/color]

[color=f7976a]"Pandora's coming?"[/color] the girl asked.

[color=f7976a]"Yeah. And [i]we're[/i] leaving. Concussions don't wait around for TV celebrities."[/color] Martin hustled his group away from the tulpa despite Eliza's protests. One last tired look was thrown over his shoulder. [color=f7976a]"I'd apologize for these guys but...I'll make sure they'll get around to doing it themselves when they get their shit together. Seeya."[/color]

Space and distance warped again, the path to the medical building looked much shorter for a brief moment before returning to its usual state. The foursome became little more than specks in the distance.

Callan cast a sympathetic glance towards her fellow arbiter before quickly looking back at Building B, uneasiness quickly rising. Emma must've seen the whole thing just now. For a moment there, she almost thought Determination was the one summoning the other tulpas. 

"[color a2d9ce]No,[/color]" she shook her head quickly, clearly on edge, "[color a2d9ce]That's... that's fine. I- I said what I needed to say....[/color]"

[color=580ACC]"Good."[/color] Determination pulled out another cigarette, lighting it. She'd need to grab another pack soon. [color=580ACC]"We're cool as long as you don't mess with her, alright? I... [I]might[/I] have been a little too hard on you. Maybe. She's just... really important to me, y'know?"[/color] Determination sighed, stretching, [color=580ACC]"Or some dumb shit like that. Just don't cause any trouble." [/color]

"[color a2d9ce]I won't,[/color]" Callan frowned, perplexed by what almost sounded like an apology. Either way, it didn't do much to quell her nerves, worsening with every passing moment. She hadn't texted Emma back yet for a reason. 

With the bench now broken, Callan took a seat on the table, heaving another subdued sigh. She looked at Det, trying to steer her thoughts elsewhere. She'd just fended off [i]four[/i] subnaturals all by herself. Emma's ability was seriously amazing. Versatile and powerful. A name like Pandora suddenly seemed very fitting. She could completely turn the tide of any fight if she wanted to. Though in this case... Determination had been the one calling the shots, hadn't she?

"[color a2d9ce]Uh,[/color]" Callan fiddled with the drawstrings of her hoodie, "[color a2d9ce]That was pretty impressive, by the way...[/color]"

Determination beamed, clearly pleased by the commentary, [color=580ACC]"Don't I know it, that was cool as hell. I'm cool as hell."[/color]

"[color a2d9ce]Heh,[/color]" Callan smiled. Plenty encouragable, wasn't she? Fucking crazy as hell, but encouragable. "[color a2d9ce]Ayep. S-super cool.[/color]"

She scratched the back of her head nervously. Maybe she shouldn't be encouraging Det to pick fights with students on campus though? 

Nah, that could be Emma's problem to deal with. 

Not wanting to come off as insincere, she resumed her smile and added, "[color a2d9ce]I don't think they'll be messing with you again any time soon.[/color]"

[color=580ACC]"Super awesome! Yep, that's it, I am super awesome. And they totes won't mess with me again if they know what's good for them. You should try it out sometime. You'e got super strength, you can totally kick assholes like those guys around."[/color] Determination didn't really realize that encouraging Callan to fight back might not be a great idea, the words coming out completely sincere. 

Fortunately, Callan knew better. Her little sparring match with Kusari had been evidence enough that smacking people around on a whim wasn't an option. Not that she ever felt the need to anyway. "[color a2d9ce]Yeah, I probably could,[/color]" she chuckled, "[color a2d9ce]But I'd rather not get zapped.[/color]" She lifted her ankle, giving the cuff a light shake.

[color=580ACC]"Oh, yeah, totally forgot that you guys have to deal with that shit."[/color] there was a bit of a twinkle in Det's eye, [color=580ACC]"Well, I could totally kick some people around if you need me to. Y'know, if you're gonna be cool and everything."[/color]

"[color a2d9ce]Uh,[/color]" she smiled politely, "[color a2d9ce]Thanks, but I don't think that'll be necessary. I don't really have any major beef with anyone.[/color]" [i]Yet.[/i] She paused as an idea struck her. 

"[color a2d9ce]Although...[/color]"

No, she shouldn't. She [i]really[/i] shouldn't....

"[color a2d9ce]Might be funny to see Chris get a little kick in the pants sometime,[/color]" she smirked, "[color a2d9ce]Just make sure you don't stick around to get caught, though. Guy's supposedly nuts.[/color]"

[color=580ACC]”Chris…? Oh… ohhhhhh… he’s the dragon kid, right?”[/color] Determination winked, [color=580ACC]”Oh, yeah, totally, I could take that pasty white kid. And I’m impossible to catch, so… y’know, he’ll probably be convinced that he got kicked in the balls by the air.”[/color]

Callan laughed despite herself. "[color a2d9ce]Oh, man,[/color]" she sighed, "[color a2d9ce]That would be so rich. You have no idea.[/color]" 

[color=580ACC]”Consider it done.”[/color] 

Determination tapped her foot, looking around for a moment as she took a drag from her cigarette, [color=580ACC]””Oh, she sh-“[/color]

Before Determination could finish her thought Emma came out the door of Building B, waving at the pair and jogging over. [color=8A3DFF]”Hey! What the hell was all that about?”[/color] she said as she approached, glancing expectantly between Cal and Determination.

Determination side-eyed Cal. [color=580ACC]”Just a friendly sparring sesh with some of your sub friends. Right, Cal?”[/color] she said, giving a slight shrug.

The laughter came to an abrupt end as Emma came into sight. 

"[color a2d9ce]Uhh,[/color]" Callan looked guilty as hell, desperately trying to focus on the most recent reason. She probably could have tried to do a bit more to prevent that fight from breaking out. 

"[color a2d9ce]Y-yeah,[/color]" she added, woefully unconvincing. 

Emma glanced between the two again. [color=8A3DFF]”That didn’t look very friendly.”[/color] now she was looking at Cal specifically, casting a suspicious glance over her.

Determination, however, waved her arm dismissively. [color=580ACC]”Don’t worry about it. Really. Those guys were pretty cool, totally friendly.”[/color]

Emma looked at Callan for confirmation. 

Callan attempted a reassuring smiled. Why was Det lying about this? What was Emma going to do? Send her to her room? She didn't even start the fight!

Wait... was this a test? God, if this was a test, she was already tanking hard. 

Sparing a short glance at Det, Callan vaguely imitated the carefree hand gesture. Maybe sticking to a half-truth would be more doable? "[color a2d9ce]Really, it's nothing to worry about, Em,[/color]" she said with a bit more success.

Emma brushed a strand of hair out of her face, smiling, [color=8A3DFF]”Alright, fine, whatever. Anyways, how’s it goin’? What are you two up to?”[/color] 

Determination grinned, [color=580ACC]”Just hangin’ out. I ran into her on my way out. We’re like total buds now, right, Cal?”[/color] she said, forcing an arm around the girl’s shoulder. 

Back stiffening immediately, Callan glanced up at Det out of the corner of her eye. "[color a2d9ce]Uh,[/color]" she forced a short laugh, "[color a2d9ce]Yeah. We were...[/color]" She scrabbled for a topic, noticing a crushed cirgarrete on the ground.

"[color a2d9ce]Just talkin' about smoking.[/color]" 

A slight look of shock came onto Emma’s face, [color=8A3DFF]”Holy shit, you better not be trying to peer pressure her!”[/color] Emma said, giving Determination a harsh look, [color=8A3DFF]”Man, Cal, you better not let her drag you down. That shit is gross.”[/color]

Determination once again waved her hand dismissively, [color=580ACC]”No, no, no, you misunderstand. Callan here asked me to put it out, she was, uh, worried about the second-hand smoke and all that, and I was like ‘Oooooh yeah I don’t really have to worry about lung disease huh, my bad’ and we were just chatting about how my body worked. Right?”[/color] she said, glancing at Cal again. 

Shit, she was getting Det in trouble anyway! [color a2d9ce][i]Jesus Christ! Step it up, Cal![/i][/color]

"[color a2d9ce]No, yeah,[/color]" Callan nodded, "[color a2d9ce]Det's right. Th-that's all it was![/color]" 

She laughed, rubbing the back of her neck, "[color a2d9ce]You know, now that I think of it, smoking probably wouldn't hurt me much either though, right? Super resistance and all that. Hell, I could probably down a cup of sink cleaner and be fine.[/color]"

She laughed again, "[color a2d9ce]But seriously, don't worry. I'm not a big fan of the smell anyway so... no cigarettes for me![/color]" 

Emma gave Cal a confused look at the mention of sink cleaner and smoking. [color=8A3DFF]”Yeah, I’m totally gonna vote no on both those ideas.”[/color]

Determination, however, had a kind of starry eyed look on her face, [color=580ACC]”Wow, that sounds super badass. Maybe I should try drinking bleach… like, just to freak people out!”[/color]  

[color=8A3DFF]”Uh, no. Anyways, uh, you have a minute Cal…? I was hoping to, er, chat.”[/color]

Callan nodded a little too eagerly, hoping Emma was planning on sending Det somewhere else. The tension of having both of them there was starting to feel like too much. "[color a2d9ce]Sure,[/color]" she smiled, stepping away from the tulpa. 

[color=580ACC]”Ooooooo, cool, what’re we chattin’ about?”[/color]

Emma gave Determination an expectant glance.

[color=580ACC]”Oh. Oh, okay. Sure, I gotcha. I’ll just… go… do something.”[/color] Determination said, turning back towards Building B, leaving behind one last puff of smoke. 

Emma waited for a second, letting the tulpa gain a little distance from them, [color=8A3DFF]”Hey, so, uh, did you see my text this morning?”[/color]

"[color a2d9ce]Ah--[/color]" Callan's expression blanched for a moment. She didn't think this far ahead. Of course Emma was going to ask about she and Det's chat this morning. She slipped her hands inside her pockets and tried to shift into a more casual stance. 

"[color a2d9ce]Shit, I totally forgot to text you back. Sorry, I was at Waffle House with Ernie,[/color]" she smiled apologetically. Maybe Emma would want to talk about waffles instead. 

Emma’s face soured slightly when she mentioned Ernie, but she kept smiling, [color=8A3DFF]”It’s…. it’s not a big deal, I just… Determination totally trashed our room this morning. And she was acting all weird, said something about talking to you. What… uh, what exactly is going on?”[/color]

And there it was. A simple question carrying way more weight than Emma could ever know.  Callan wanted to tell her at least half of what had transpired that morning. To be able to tell Emma it would be okay. Hug her tight and fix it all just like that. Her sister was human and had made a mistake-- but she was still her sister. Just as much as Cal's parents were still her parents. They could move past this together. 

But she couldn't. Not now. Not yet.

[color a2d9ce][i]Lord, give me strength.[/i][/color]

"[color a2d9ce]She trashed your room?[/color]" Callan asked, alarmed because she was. Recalling Det's assault on the roof vent, she couldn't help but wonder how bad the damage was-- but a question like that would only draw suspicion.

[color=8A3DFF]"Well... she tried to hide it, but yeah. She cleaned everything up but left a couple of nasty holes in the wall and scared the shit out of our cat. Seemed like she fucked up the place pretty bad. You guys didn't..."[/color] Emma had a rush of flashbacks to Riley. She had always liked to break shit when she was angry, [color=8A3DFF]"Did she seem, like... mad about anything?"[/color]

'Mad'? More like psychotically irate. 

Callan frowned, scratching her cheek for an excuse to briefly avert her eyes. "[color a2d9ce]Uh... n-no.[/color]"

Got to do better than that.

"[color a2d9ce]I mean, we did talk, but... uh... I guess she did seem kind of upset?[/color]" Callan was clearly uncomfortable. There was no way around it. She had to lie. Lie and pray that Emma didn't ever find out.

"[color a2d9ce]I think she's just having some existential issues... y-you know? Assuming she can feel like you and me... It's a lot to take in on her end, I'm sure,[/color]" she pushed her bangs back against her head, "[color a2d9ce]We didn't really talk about anything important....[/color]" She inwardly winced. 

[color=8A3DFF]"Cal..."[/color] Emma frowned, [color=8A3DFF]"Listen, I know her. Riley, I mean. If she... listen, if there's anything weird going on, y'know you can be honest with me, right? She didn't, like... ugh, just, if there's something up tell me."[/color] Emma gave a slight smile, [color=8A3DFF]"Don't worry, I'll take your side."[/color]

Callan bit her lip hard, tightly gripping the bottom hem of her hoodie. God damn it... she couldn't. She couldn't do this. Emma didn't deserve to be betrayed like that... but she did deserve to know the truth. And she deserved to hear it from someone who cared. She had nothing to do for the rest of the day. Classes were still out, too. Now was as good a time as any.

[i]She had to tell her.[/i]

"[color a2d9ce]You'll...[/color]" she swallowed hard, already looking sorry, "[color a2d9ce]You'll want to sit down.[/color]" She pointed at the bench-less picnic table and waited before taking a seat beside her. 

She took a deep breath. "[color a2d9ce]Det told me this in confidence, but... I think you should know. A-and before I say anything,[/color]" Callan's expression was grim, but completely serious and genuine, "[color a2d9ce]Just know, I'm here for you, okay?[/color]" 

Emma looked confused the entire time. As Callan told her to sit down, as they sat down, and as she started talking. She very clearly had little idea of what was going on, [color=8A3DFF]”Uh… what are you talking about, Cal?”[/color] she said, matching Callan’s seriousness. She always had that same sinking feeling in her stomach when she knew she was about to hear something she didn’t want to hear.

Second guessing herself again, Callan glanced back at building B. She could almost imagine Det's lithe form occupying one of the windows. Just a flicker of a thought. She was doing the right thing here.

Emma had to know.

"[color a2d9ce]Det said you summoned her in your sleep the night you were captured. And she... saw some stuff. She told me she saw--[/color]" Callan grimaced, "[color a2d9ce]She saw your sister Val calling the police... to turn you in.[/color]"

Emma’s expression was hard to read for a moment. 

[color=8A3DFF]”What?”[/color]

Callan blinked, confused for a moment before her eyebrows knit together out of frustration and concern. She tentatively reached for Emma's hand.

"[color a2d9ce]Val,[/color]" she repeated, "[color a2d9ce]Det said she's the reason the cops found you.[/color]"

Emma pulled her hand away. [color=8A3DFF]”I, uh…”[/color] Emma’s voice cracked, her face in pain, [color=8A3DFF]”No, no, there’s no way. That’s not true. Val wouldn’t do that.”[/color]

Callan retracted her hand quickly. She looked down at her knees, trying to steel herself again. She subdued a heartbroken sigh before she looked back at her, "[color a2d9ce]Emma, I'm really sorry.[/color]" 

Emma stood up. [color=8A3DFF]”No, no, no, you don’t have to be sorry. That didn’t happen. There’s no way, right? Like… you probably just… are you sure? Was Determination sure?”[/color] Emma forced a hollow smile. 

Callan stood up with her, watching Emma carefully. She felt like she was precariously reliving the worst day of her life. It was awful to watch...

She nodded solemnly, "[color a2d9ce]Det seemed pretty sure. Said she overheard the whole phone call.[/color]"

[color=8A3DFF]”I…”[/color]

Emma was trying to rationalize it in her head. Why would Determination lie? Why would Callan lie? Riley had a rep for bending the truth, but nothing like this. Could she have misheard? She heard the whole call, who could something like that…

Her mind found none of the answers she raced for, but she didn’t want to believe this. Couldn’t believe this. Not Val, Val would never do anything to hurt her. She felt so close to the edge right now, facing a reality that was so terrifyingly impossible it shouldn’t exist.

[color=8A3DFF]”Cal, you don’t know her, she…”[/color] Emma stopped herself, choking up a little.

She couldn’t stop second guessing herself. There was no way. No way this could be true. But what if it was? It would explain so much, explain why Val refused to talk to her. Explain how they got caught. Explain why Determination had been so fucking weird about Val.

Emma stopped breathing for a moment, air caught in her throat, and then started breathing way too much. Hyperventilating, looking to Cal for answers that she already knew the girl wouldn’t have.

Callan could see it all. The rationalizing. The breaking down. The thirst for more answers. She'd been there. [i]Right there[/i]. Seeing Emma like that made her want to cry, but... she knew what to do. At least, she thought she did. For Emma's sake, she hoped she did. 

Her feet moved well before her mind told them to, arms pulling Emma close and wrapping around her shoulders in a tight embrace. Tight, but not too tight. God, it was frustrating-- having to think so hard every time she touched anyone. Resisting the urge to hold her any tighter, she finally spoke up, "[color a2d9ce]Emma... I'm sorry.[/color]"

Emma’s breath slowed. It was comforting, a small comfort in a highly uncomfortable situation. The voice was there, the familiar voice. It had been so quiet, but it seems like it spotted its chance.

[color=8A3DFF][i]why hasn’t she called
There must be a good reason
how did they find you
It was just bad luck, bad luck
fuck, fuck, fuck
Fuck, fuck, fuck[/i][/color]

It all made perfect sense when she thought about it, really. She gripped Cal back, squeezed her hard, probably too hard if it was anyone other than Cal. 

[color=8A3DFF]”I… I… fuck, Cal, why does it make so much sense? If Val did do that, it’d explain so much…”[/color]

Callan took a breathe, briefly humoring her, "[color a2d9ce]Well, [i]if[/i] she did, she made a huge mistake, okay? Doing something like that...,[/color]" her voice trailed off for a moment, thinking about her parents and how sad and scared they looked the last time she saw them. She could almost picture it. Val's sister staring at Determination's old form while Emma slept. A tall black figure looming by her bedside. Just like her parents had to look at the state of their home and decided she was as good as dead...

"[color a2d9ce]I bet she regrets it,[/color]" Callan suggested earnestly.

A sob rocked Emma's body. 

[color=f7976a][i]I'll always be there for you Em. No matter what.[/i][/color]

The memory used to be comforting, but now it felt bitter. [color=8A3DFF]"She... she promised so many times that she'd never give up on me."[/color] Emma's voice was breaking in twenty different places, falling apart.

No easy answer there. Callan slightly tightened her grip, like that might stop the sobbing. She was sorry. Sorry Emma had to go through this. But this time it was going to be different. She wouldn't have to suffer through it alone. Callan wouldn't let her. 

"[color a2d9ce]Listen,[/color]" she smiled bitterly, "[color a2d9ce]We don't know the whole story, Em. There might be more to it.[/color]" She leaned away, just enough to see her face, "[color a2d9ce]Look, as a big sister myself, I can tell you one thing. Val loved you [i]a lot[/i], okay? I'm sure of it. I'm sure she wanted to help you, too! I don't know what happened but... we'll figure it out![/color]"

Emma didn't know how to feel. Partly reassured, probably, but also still halfway between denial and depression. Was she angry at Val, or did she feel betrayed? Both, but neither. The stigma tore at her but she didn't want to believe what Cal was telling her.

Maybe she felt nothing at all.

[color=8A3DFF]"Cal... I don't know what to do. What to think... I feel so fucking empty right now."[/color] Emma was crying now, for real, but not just because of Val. 

"[color a2d9ce]I understand,[/color]" she said, wondering if she should tell her why. No, this needed to be about Emma right now. She didn't want to bring her own issues into the mix. Besides, she wasn't so sure it would make her feel any better anyway. She held Emma by the shoulders, her expression becoming more firm, "[color a2d9ce]You need some time...[/color]" 

She smiled hopefully, "[color a2d9ce]Let's go to my place, okay? Or wherever you want. I don't care.[/color]" She paused for a moment, "[color a2d9ce]I can go get Marcus?[/color]"

Emma looked down for a moment. [color=8a3dff]"Your place. Maybe he'll be there. I just... I don't want to think about it right now. Not until we figure out what really happened."[/color]

Callan nodded, "[color a2d9ce]Okay then. Let's g--[/color]"

"[color palevioletred]We're heading out with a strike team, so be ready,[/color]" Zoe's voice suddenly interrupted, "[color palevioletred]We'll get more instructions later, and... I'll explain everything once we're together. Over.[/color]" 

Callan looked down at her cuff like it'd suddenly bit her. Fuck... A mission? [i]Now[/i]? She looked back at Emma.

Emma's stomach dropped.

[color=8A3DFF]"Cal..."[/color]

[color=8A3DFF][i]I can't do this.[/i][/color] were the words that didn't come out. For a moment she felt sick, and for a half a moment more she felt like running. The distress on her face was plain as day.

[color a2d9ce][i]Shit. Shit. Shit.[/i][/color]

"[color a2d9ce]I-it'll be okay![/color]" Callan reassured her, "[color a2d9ce]We... probably still have time before we have to go. It's...[/color]" She floundered. Desperate for a solution that just wasn't there. They'd never let Emma sit out of a fight. She shouldn't be alone right now anyway! 

"[color a2d9ce]It'll be okay,[/color]" she repeated with more confidence, "[color a2d9ce]Trust me, alright? I'll figure something out.[/color]" 

Emma despaired. She could tell Cal was trying. She was a good friend, a better one than she deserved... but her words weren't helping. Emma put her everything into forcing the slightest shadow of a smile. [color=8A3DFF]"Right... yeah..."[/color] she could not, however, force her agreement to be genuine.

Callan frowned. [i]God fucking damn it...[/i] could this get any worse? 

"[color a2d9ce]Come on,[/color]" Callan held out her hand, "[color a2d9ce]Let's at least go back to my room until we get more orders.[/color]" 

Emma grabbed Callan's hand. "I'm... yeah, let's go. Maybe they'll call this whole thing off..." she gave a weak laugh, looking down.
[/hider]