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[hr][hr]Event: The night of the aberration apocalypse and the assassination of Hugo Hunghorasz. | Characters: Yuliya, Zarina [@YummyYummy][hr][hr]

Chaos had taken the city. So many had died, and even more succumbed to terrible ailments. The black sky of the night was tainted with the orange mark of the flames that lingered in some of the buildings that hadn’t been tended to yet. Most of it was under control, or so that’s what the authorities wanted the confused and ill-informed masses to believe. In truth, the greatest defence of the many was gone, and many were now unknowingly going to be the cogs of a changing world, whether they wanted to or not. It would be overwhelming if anyone could have seen what Yuliya had seen.

Zarina was patiently waiting for the young Sanguinaire’s return to her quarters, which were adjacent to the Virangish’s own. Back against the wall with the same-faced coin being continuously flipped and caught. She definitely was trying to have style here, but her dishevelled look and the lingering smell of fish-guts that couldn’t be easily removed even with good magic somewhat put a wrench in her introduction. Nonetheless, she shot a half-lidded glance toward Yuliya and forced a small smile, [color=C78A2C]“You survived.”[/color] she went straight to the point, [color=C78A2C]“I was worried. So was Nibbler.”[/color] he was not with her.

By the time she got back to her dorm, she was not the same person as when she had left. Yuliya had a lot on her mind, both from the day and the night that she had experienced. Obscene acts of magic, reality warping, strange fishes and witnessing the strongest beings from around the globe clashing, not to mention the death of the paradigm. And while her emotions were normally in control, she was at breaking point. Stress, anger, fear and sadness swirled around her mind like a vortex, but when she saw her friend standing beside her door, trying to put on a brave face, it made it go away for a second. She couldn’t help crack a small smile herself, but it quickly faded following what Zarina said. [color=pink]”Survived? We both did. Today was crazy. Like lednikrayva, but without drink.”[/color] she spoke as confidently as she could muster, but her voice was trembling and to be frank, she didn’t know why she was attempting to hide it. There was a part of her that knew Zarina knew, and she just wanted this formality to be over with. But to spill the beans herself, after what she saw. If the mind reading monster that was Hugo could be felled, who knew who was listening? Who knew whether they’d be instantly smitten for talking about what happened. To be frank, she was terrified.

[color=C78A2C]“We did.”[/color] Zarina nodded, going along with Yuliya’s misdirection,[color=C78A2C]“We can consider ourselves lucky, I guess.”[/color] there were more students that walked through the halls of the dormitory, prompting Zazzy to gesture toward the door, [color=C78A2C]“Mind if I come in? There is something we need to discuss.”[/color] the softness of her tone wasn’t undermining the solemnity of her words. Whatever Zarina had in mind, it was serious.

[color=pink]”Sure. My room messy right now. Don’t judge me.”[/color] she spoke, unlocking the door. And indeed it was a state. There were clothes scattered, books all over the place and nary a free spot to sit down, save for the bed and the chair stationed at the corner desk. She waited for Zarina to walk in, before shutting it quickly behind them, locking up the latch in a panic and putting a sound dampening bubble around the room, like she was escaping from a pursuer, except, she wasn’t. She was just talking to her friend, but she couldn’t make herself act naturally. Not now. She was still on edge. She barely mustered the strength to speak once more. [color=pink]”So, what we discussing?”[/color]

Yuliya’s mannerisms, uncharacteristic and conspicuous as they were, did not fly over Zarina’s head. No, they were actually expected to an extent, although there seemed to be something off. When the Sanguinaire turned to address Zarina, the latter tilted her head slightly, chin raised just a tad as if she was indeed judging Yuliya. On what remained unclear for the blonde, [color=C78A2C]“I won’t mess with you or be polite about things, I respect you enough to skip all that.”[/color] she seized the corner chair and took a seat, legs open with her hands clasped between them as she leaned forward, [color=C78A2C]“You felt something invigorating you when they tried to hurt you, right?”[/color] before Yuli had a chance to even try an answer, Zarina continued, [color=C78A2C]“Nibbler looked out for you. I guess he does remember what happened in the forest. Did you know it was him that was aiding you?”[/color]

Yuliya looked uncomfortably around the room. Incredibly so. She couldn’t hide it anymore. She knew. She’d practically admitted it. So what was there left to hide. She closed her eyes and counted to three, taking a couple deep breaths and leaving the room in a moment of silence, before heading over and sitting on her bed. [color=pink]”I didn’t know it was him. I never saw him. I guess I owe him. He might have saved my life.”[/color] she spoke, looking at Zarina. She wanted to trust her, but she had wanted to trust Augusto and that had turned horribly. She hoped, prayed, that Zarina wouldn’t betray her trust in the same way. Her gaze met hers before she spoke once more, [color=pink]”But, where were you? You two like peas in pod.”[/color]

With confirmation that it was her, Zarina’s tilted head straightened itself. She let out a light exhale from her nostrils as she nodded. Then, she whistled, prompting Yuli’s Raspberry dragon to emerge from whatever clothing den it had made itself and trot its fat body over to her and meet her presented hand for a pet. She had trained this thing, after all, [color=C78A2C]“With Marci, behind the pack of angry Eskandish.”[/color] he answers without hesitation, [color=C78A2C]“I did not know it was you until after our teammate got rid of us all.”[/color] her eyes briefly shifted toward Yuli’s distressed being and then returned to the animal she was caressing, [color=C78A2C]“But, I don’t think I would have connected it if it weren’t for what Ingrid and her Southern brethren’s had to say about the ‘Sanguinaire’ that attacked the twins.”[/color] again, she nodded and just slowly raised her eyes without moving her head, staring right at the identified bloodsucker, [color=C78A2C]“They’ll figure out it’s you soon, Yuli. Do you know what you’re going to do?”[/color]

Yuliya sighed in relief. It was over. The tension was gone and the cat was out of the bag. IF anyone found out, she was glad it was Zarina. Because if she couldn’t trust her, then who could she really? The best friend she’d made since arriving. She cast aside her doubt and regained her composure, before letting out a bit of a grin.[color=pink]”You’re too smart for your own good.”[/color] Zarina snorted, [color=C78A2C]“A dormouse figured it out before me. Please. I usually act before thinking. Hence-”[/color] she opened her arms to illustrate her presence in the den of a Sanguinaire, alone and exposed.  [color=pink]”You think I would hurt you?”[/color] Zarina shrugged, [color=C78A2C]“Maybe. I hope you don’t. I’ve hurt people for petty things before. And this is a big deal. But if it reassures you, I’m not here to harm you, or take advantage.”[/color]Yuliya rose from her bead, and looked at Zarina, unblinking. A couple of seconds passed, silence hanging in the air before she began to walk toward her without saying a word. And in a moment, she wrapped her arms around the seated girl, barely having the height advantage while Zarina was sitting down. [color=pink]”You promise?”[/color] she sniffled slightly, attempting to hold back tears. Today was too much. She didn’t have any strength left to hide behind.

Zaz flinched as Yuliya approached. For all this strength and stoicism she was displaying, the Vossoriyan enigma remained a genuine threat. One that took down twins that were definitely not weak. Her entire body clenched up, but then came the hug. She could hear Zarina’s heart racing - she was surprised by all of it. If only she knew just how much this terrified Yuli had gone through, she’d understand far more, but as it stood she believed the Eskandish mob were the cause of her pain, [color=C78A2C]“Yes. I promise.”[/color] she hushed herself into a whisper, idle hands slowly lowering themselves to caress her blonde hair and the middle of her back, [color=C78A2C]“Did you hurt them?”[/color] 

Yuli suppressed a sob. She wanted to grab on tight, but she stopped herself. She could feel Zarina’s heartbeat, she was obviously scared. Yet, she did not push her away. Zarina trusted her. And that meant the world to her right now.  [color=pink]”Yes. But I spare them. It was after roses and neskals. I was pissed off and hungry. Are you friends? I don’t mean to hunt your friends.”[/color] she let go of the embrace and looked Zarina in the eye, still remaining close. [color=pink]”You know what I am? What sanguinaire is? Or only stories?”[/color] she spoke the clearest she had all night, her eyes still slightly damp.

[color=C78A2C]“Not friends but-”[/color] Zarina pursed her lips and peered to the side, [color=C78A2C]“They’re close enough to Marci. Which makes this a problem. But not the main problem.”[/color] both hands rested upon Yuli’s shoulders, and slowly the Sanguinaire was pushed back. Not in a shove, but so they could actually look at one-another when talking, [color=C78A2C]“I’ve only heard stories, and the stray ‘hunts’ going on here and there. That’s it.”[/color] she idly reached down to the red little dragon that was put on standby and hoisted her up onto the Zazzy-lap for extra pets, [color=C78A2C]“You’re going to need one hell of an alibi.”[/color]

She frowned slightly.  [color=pink]”I don’t think it’s possible now.”[/color] She would not hide the truth. It was pointless. [color=pink]”I… I would have killed them tonight. They chased me, and I had plan. I lure them into warehouse, and I was going to use this .”[/color] she placed a hand in her pocket and out emerged the magic dampener. Zarina chuckled at the sight of the box, [color=C78A2C]“Well shit, glad I’m such a great inspiration.”[/color] a bit of the sauciness added to the otherwise outrageous confession. Still, it sounded like kill or be killed. A notion Zarina was unfortunately familiar with, even if she wasn’t a murderer. [color=pink]”I switched it on for second, but something happen tonight. Something big. Augusto stopped it, and then, and then..”[/color] she couldn’t help it anymore. She looked at the floor, trying to resist the urge to cry, but it was pointless. Why did Zarina have to see her like this? She hated it. All she wanted right now was to be home, in her own bedroom, but she was here, vulnerable, sobbing like a child in front of one of her only friends. 

She mustered the strength to talk after a few seconds, and what followed was a tear filled rendition of what had happened prior to her arrival here. Down to every grisly detail, Zarina learned about the death of Hugo Hunghorasz, the perpetrators and the involved parties, and how Yuliya had been completely and utterly powerless to do anything. Both Zarina and Kalyna stared at her wide-eyed, overwhelmed for completely different reasons. [color=C78A2C]“Uhm.”[/color] Zarina blinked, [color=C78A2C]“What?”[/color] what did she get herself into? [color=C78A2C]“So wait, Augusto’s not dead? But Hugo Hun- The Twice Paradigm, is dead?”[/color] she needed a moment to process it, [color=C78A2C]“Killed by guys in masks and …”[/color] she retreated back a little, sat straight on her seat, [color=C78A2C]“Karan and your Kin?”[/color][color=pink]”Yes, Augusto and his sister too. They use me as bait. But now, they know… I took the box as reward, and if you figure out, then is only a matter of time.”[/color] the tears had stopped and mild distress had taken its place. She knew blatant murder was off the table now. Yuliya knew Zazzy enough for that at least. 

Zarina’s head lowered a tad with her head shaking, not in a manner that said ‘no’ but instead it was as if she was ‘reading’ everything she was told. It felt made up, and yet Augusto’s flex of power barely an hour ago made this feel all too possible. Then a quick shake followed, snapping her out of the daze, [color=C78A2C]“Right. Let’s just- Yeah, focus on that. You.”[/color] her hands come together for a single clap, and with that her thoughts were straightened into a realm she had a better grasp of, [color=C78A2C]“These people, Augusto, Karan, and whatever else, nothing we can do about them. But if they wanted to get rid of you, they’d do it easily themselves.”[/color] now that this was established, she considered the active problem, eyes fixated on some discarded clothes - not that they were particularly thought-provoking, she just look at anything too distressing, and Yuli was stress incarnate, [color=C78A2C]“The Eskandish. We gotta clear your name.”[/color] she glared at her friend, [color=C78A2C]“And keep it clean afterward.”[/color]

Kalyna was put down so that Zarina could stand. Pacing helped her think. [color=C78A2C]“You were with me during Roses and Neskals, after the grand celebration. There were loads of people. I’m sure someone can be greased up to back up my claim.”[/color] she wagged her index finger when she announced her simple plan, [color=C78A2C]“Claim you were here recovering from an aberration headache. No real proof you weren’t.”[/color] the sombrero was nearly stomped by Zarina, but she did pause to seize it and set it right, [color=C78A2C]“... Why do you drink people, Yuliya?”[/color] she inquired all of a sudden, arms crossed without looking at her friend. 

[color=pink]”Because I have to. If I don’t drink, I shrivel up and die. My father… after the death of my mother… he stopped drink. He grew old, and feeble. I don’t think he has long left. ”[/color] she spoke somewhat wistfully. She had admitted more in the span of this conversation than she had to anyone her entire life. It was both refreshing and exhausting.

Zarina nodded, [color=C78A2C]“You need it. And you gotta take it.”[/color] she then shrugged, [color=C78A2C]“Why not just drink from someone that won’t get pissed? Like, another one like you?”[/color] a brow was raised, but she took a while to realise the position she could be putting herself into, [color=C78A2C]“Actually, I can’t think of anybody who would [i]want[/i] to.”[/color] hands on her hips and lips pursed, she shook her head, [color=C78A2C]“Okay, I get it, your situation sucks.”[/color] Yuli pouted, just a little. It wasn’t that bad. At least, to her, all she had to do was find some unsuspecting sucker and knock 'em out and life was easy. [color=pink]”It not so bad. It makes me strong. Like you. You remember our arm wrestle? Normal person shouldn’t be able to win, but I suppose you are different.”[/color] 

For the second time, Zarina flinched, but this time by Yuliya’s words and not her actions. Did she know? Zazzy’s own dirty little secret was still up there, so easy to sniff out and eventually a truth she couldn’t hide, [color=C78A2C]“Different? Ehhh, too angry to lose is more like it.”[/color] she feigned confidence with her arms crossed under her chest, [color=C78A2C]“Anyway.”[/color] she was quick to divert the subject, [color=C78A2C]“Stick to the story. And you find a new method. Too much fucking around, and now you’re finding out.”[/color] Yuliya pouted once more. [color=pink]”Zazzy.”[/color] she spoke, more serious this time. [color=pink]”I know what you are.”[/color] Zarina didn’t stop, [color=C78A2C]“Huh? What? So- You’re gonna have to probably spread out your hunts …”[/color] at this point it was pretty obvious she was being avoidant, Yuliya was done being sad at this point. She was irritated. Here she sat, bawling her eyes out and opening up and yet her friend didn’t want to talk. Could she trust no-one? [color=pink]”You think I care about what you are? We are friends! Do you even know yourself?”[/color] she spoke accusingly.

[color=C78A2C]“That’s right.”[/color] Zarina responded to what can be best described as aggressively. It was quick, dry and came with a scowl, [color=C78A2C]“I don’t fucking know. I mean, I know, but I don’t.”[/color] the Virangish wildblood extended her arms and then let them drop to slap against her sides, [color=C78A2C]“That day- it feels like a dream, Yuli. It doesn’t feel real.”[/color] pacifying gestures were abundant, her forehead started to sweat intensely, [color=C78A2C]“It’s called Wildblood. And it’s tied to the moons. And it hurts. That’s it. I’m going to that Tower to learn more than these three things.”[/color]

[color=pink]”Zazzy. You help me, I help you. What you know is right, but there is more. What happen that day? Did animal bite you? This matters a lot.  ”[/color] Yuli spoke softly and sternly to her friend. She couldn’t help feel sorry for the predicament her friend was in. She’d been burdening her, sobbing and causing a scene while her friend had been going through so much. She had the privilege of knowing what she was from the days of her childhood, but Zarina did not. And it would take time before she would become accustomed to the price of the power she now had. 

There it was, the big question one couldn’t simply answer. Zarina clicked her tongue and kept a conspicuous silent linger in the air. Both her hands were now on her hips and the pacing had ceased, [color=C78A2C]“It was-”[/color] another pause. Her eye itched and her left hand couldn’t help but scratch. The horrid memories were resurfacing, the monster they had unleashed to the world and what it had done to her. There was no doubt about it. [color=C78A2C]“A Sand Wyrm. Met one after the race and it got a bit too close and personal, I guess.”[/color] her jaw shifted from side to side as she eventually made eye contact with the blonde again. [color=pink]”Ah. They are big, strong creature. Explain why you hit like truck now.”[/color] she scratched her head slightly.[color=pink]”Now, about moons. I’m sure you notice, but the more moons, the more symptoms appear. Just like I need alibi, you need plan for when there is 5. Someone strong to deal with you. Jocasta maybe? Do you think you can trust her? ”[/color]

Crisis averted, somewhat. Perhaps, by a stroke of luck, this lie was actually the truth. She was beginning to convince herself of it, anyway. Zarina’s entire figure relaxed a little more and she nodded, [color=C78A2C]“Yeah, One le-”[/color] she closed her eyes and cleared her throat, [color=C78A2C]“I mean, Penny told me, yeah. She knows, too. Figured it out when I got a bit too spicy.”[/color] Now comes the plan. Zarina paced toward the messy nearby bed and took a seat once more, supporting herself with her arms extended behind her, [color=C78A2C]“Yeah, I thought of something like that. Jo’s powers might be best.”[/color] she nodded, [color=C78A2C]“I trust her, anyway.”[/color] 

[color=pink]”With your life?”[/color] Yuli asked, rather seriously at this point. Her knowledge of this subject was mostly from word of mouth and books, but what she had heard about the wildbloods indicated that being on 5 moons required a degree of care, especially if it was something as dangerous as a royal sandworm hybrid. [color=C78A2C]“Bit dramatic, no?”[/color] Zaz raised a brow, [color=C78A2C]“I trust her to do things well and what she’s gotta do.”[/color] she twisted her body a tad to allow her to point towards Yuli, [color=C78A2C]“I trust you to not let her kill me when the time comes, though.”[/color]

[color=pink]”I got you, and you got me. Not bad arrangement.”[/color] she spoke, as she shuffled around the room looking for something. Moments later, she found what she was looking for. Something she’d been saving from back home, a bottle of rather expensive Vossoriyan vodka. She’d been saving it for a party, but a night like this called for something to cut loose a bit. [color=pink]”I was saving this for special occasion, but tonight sucked and I kinda wanna forget it. You in?”[/color] she spoke, uncorking the bottle and pouring two shots onto the desk. 

A tempting offer, one that would conflict most Hexaics. There were actually many temptations beckoning Zarina, tugging her further away from the tenants she had once held dear, almost zealously so. Yuliya was right, this day was sucky and the entire trials were life changing to a few, including Zaz. There was almost no hesitation in the thumbs up she’d give her Vossoriyan friend once the booze was out, [color=C78A2C]“Looks like water. What is this shit?”[/color] she gestured for one to be passed, clearly unwilling to get her rear off the comfy bedside.[color=pink]”Specialty from my country. It strong. Be careful.”[/color] Yuli spoke as she passed her the shot. Never in her life did she think she would be serving another person drinks, but alas, here she was. It made her chuckle to herself slightly as she grabbed the other one and gulped it down. It tasted like home. A memory she very much needed right now. 

[color=C78A2C]“Hmmm.”[/color] Zarina pinched her shot glass with thumb and index finger, eyeing it while Yuliya took in her first. Keen on participating in this party, Zazzy imitated the method, only to regret it almost instantly, [color=C78A2C]“Oh fuck.”[/color] first came a light cough, [color=C78A2C]“Awh FUCK!”[/color] then came the coughing fits, [color=C78A2C]“What is this poison? BLAUGH!”[/color] she didn’t vomit, but she sure sounded like she was about to. She then presented her glass for a second, [color=C78A2C]“You just swallow it. Got it. Ugh.”[/color]

Yuli almost burst into a laughing fit as she watched how Zarina handled it, barely calming herself down by the time the glass was presented for the second. She may have been weak of body, but she was not weak of spirit that night. [color=pink]”Hah! You are like me when I first try it! Not drink much before Zaz? I thought you handle prime shots well!”[/color] Zarina grimaced in a bout of petulance toward Yuli, [color=C78A2C]“I’m not used to drinking piss-water, no. And this is piss water laced with toad vomit.”[/color] still, she took the shot and her reaction was about the same as the first, [color=C78A2C]“Raaaahhh! At least the small people TRY to make it taste less shit.”[/color]Another chuckle escaped her lips, but she couldn’t deny she was slightly offended. [color=pink]”It supposed to warm you up and get you drunk. Taste doesn’t matter. That’s for prenchies!”[/color]

[color=C78A2C]“Guess I’m a pansy Prenchy, then.”[/color] cheers. Zarina withstood a staggering three shots before throwing the towel, and soon after the aforementioned heat really hit her. Not enough to start yammering about things that shouldn’t be mentioned, but enough to have her speak obnoxiously loudly and laugh for a good bit before potentially knocking herself out. Yuli had much more than her darhannic friend, but she was far more used to the substance than Zarina was, so it took a good deal before she surpassed her friends level of buzz. A fun conclusion to an otherwise horrifying night was had, and she too joined Zarina in the land of slumber in the girls first ever sleepover.