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After Chase and Leah had arrived back to the Academy, he'd given her his and Ben's numbers in the hopes that somehow she could help with integrating Ben further into the group. Chase didn't fully care about whether or not the rest liked him, they didn't need to like him, he'd be around regardless for Danni's sake and if they didn't like it they could bring it up with the Pyromaniac. Once contacts were exchanged and he'd dubbed Leah as Lancelot within his phone, he began to make his way over towards the school's parking lot. Sending a quick text to Morgan before wanting to have to contact Ben's Uncle. 

[Hider=Morgana] Hey about to message Matt Moss (Bens dad) in a bit. Apparently there's an Arthurian Prophecy in the Kingdom of Avalon and I need Matt to be ok with us going over. We don't exactly have a choice but he should be informed and know it's all chill. It is...all chill right?[/hider] 

A system notification came back as he hit send, but he'd already stashed his phone away and didn't see it. Chase was about to get into his Jeep when he spotted Sabine coming back with Marlena and two boards. [i][color=585c74]Weird. Didn't know blondie knew how to skate like that.[/color][/i] Marlena was cool, but three teens in a store spelled trouble, and Marlena already did that enough on her own based on appearances. [Color=585c74]”Hey! Party girl, you wanna hop in for a ride? I'm gettin’ some provisions for the trip comin' up and could use the company.”[/color] Why the hell was he asking her to come? Chase didn't know, but Ben needed more socialization time and he needed to get ready because he doubted the others knew how. 

Sabine had felt a rush of exhilaration she hadn’t felt for a while now. She also wasn’t thinking of her mother or her lack of communication. It was a distraction when she needed one the most. Now she was in a better headspace. And now she needed to get ready for the trip.

She heard someone call out and looked over to see the new guy, Chase. She hadn’t been able to speak to him since the freak-out ice incident. He seemed better, at least. And he was inviting her to go shopping? Well, she did enjoy shopping. Plus, she could get to know him better. Part of her responsibility, in a sense. He wasn’t part of Excelsior, but he was close to Danni. Plus, dude seemed like drama. 

[color=A2797E]”Oh, sure, I guess. I’ll talk to you later Marlena,”[/color] she said to the girl before walking over to Chase’s car. [color=A2797E]”So, where to? What sorts of things do you buy for a trip to the Otherworld?”[/color]

Chase popped open his car door, jumping into the ride before reaching over and opening the door for Sabine from inside. He waved to Marlena after Sabine had before pulling on his seat belt. [Color=585c74]”See ya later Lena, I'm stealing her for a bit.”[/color] His eyes met back with Sabine’s. [Color=585c74]”Don't tell me you've never been camping before? And since when are you and Marlena tight?”[/color]

She got in when the door opened and shut it as she put on her own seatbelt. [color=A2797E]”Does glamping count? I don’t willingly spend my days hiking or sleeping in a tent on the ground where anything can crawl on me or bite me. And we quite literally met today. She sort of just helped me out. The vision Carlos shared well…..it took a lot out of me.”[/color] She didn’t want to share with Chase just yet. 

Chase started the car, connecting his phone to the radio as old disco tunes began to play, lowering the volume to a murmur so that they wouldn't need to yell over the songs. She was being vague, but he didn't blame her, after all they barely knew each other. Hell at this point he knew Leah better than he knew her. [Color=585c74]”Tell me about it. One of my Rents can see into the future, so I get how that can be. Doesn't help when one of the visions looks like I'm invading a city.”[/color] Chase put the car in reverse and finally backed out of the space, making his way towards the nearest Grocery Store. There was a thick blanket in the backseat of his car, some remnants of his camping trip still in the trunk and floor. A drawing of Ben and a bug was paperclipped to the sun visor. 

Sabine observed her surroundings and found some inconsistencies. Well, what she assumed were anyway. First, Chase didn’t strike her as someone into disco music, but that wasn’t so odd. And there was a picture of the new kid with a bug of some sort. From what Percy said and what stories she heard, Chase was someone not to be trusted, someone bad. And granted, he still could be, but she remembered what happened. How upset Chase got. How assumptions could be made towards you that weren’t true, but if told to you often enough you believed it.

[color=A2797E]”So, how are you doing after all that from before? Sorry if it’s a tough subject, but I wasn’t able to check in. Had to do some damage control and then things got busy.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Damn. Straight to business huh? You really need to learn to relax a bit more. Have more fun. Like Leah, she's real chill when she isn't being an aggro attack dog.”[/color] Chase kept his eyes on the road as he spoke, tapping his fingers after a bit of silence as he chewed over how to respond. [Color=585c74]”So which part you want to talk about specifically? The whole Percy bit, or when Lightning McQueen decked me and Gideon kicked me, or the prophecy bit. Honestly a lot happened this morning and all I wanted was to spend the time I promised Danni and Ben we would.”[/color] 

Chase reached behind his seat, never once looking back as his hand blindly felt around until the crinkle of plastic could be heard and he produced a bag of Sweet and Spicy Doritos. He took the bag up to his mouth and bit down on one side as he pulled with his hand at the other, tearing it open. [Color=585c74]”Road snack?”[/color]

Sabine passed up the snack. Her stomach was still a bit wonky. Even now with Chase. [color=A2797E]”When you’re with this lot, you have to be on your toes. I’d do anything for them, even if it means making someone uncomfortable with my questions.”[/color] This wasn’t so much a threat to Chase, but a promise. You fuck with them, I will make it hurt.

[color=A2797E]”I can probably guess the Percy bit, but I assume Andy hit you because of that? And Gideon….well I am not surprised, even if you did do something wrong. The prophecy was interesting, if you have thoughts.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Wrongo. Andy hit me because I was being cute with my boyfriend and she thought I was bullying him. Because that's all your little clique seems to view me as, and fair. But damn a bully can have a boyfriend too! And fun.”[/color] Chase took a handful of the chips and shoved them in his mouth, chewing slightly before talking again. [Color=585c74]”The prophecy is gonna prophecy. Just as it always has. The land we're going to is of myth and legends, where my favorite tales breathe life apparently. You all keep calling it Otherworld, yet its better known as Avalon or to others, Camelot. So I'm sure we'll have things like a Questing Beast to deal with as well as many other trials.”[/color] 

He finally swallowed what he had been eating. [Color=585c74]”Also ask all the uncomfortable questions you want. Nothing really bothers me I'm an open book.”[/color] If Sabine was threatening him, Chase didn't show any care about it.

[color=A2797E]”While I won’t condone Andy for jumping to conclusions, you can understand where they are coming from. If Percy is to be believed, you are a bully. And bullies are not tolerated. However, I know there’s more to this. And I could see for myself if I wanted to, but since we’re together, perhaps you can enlighten me as to why Percy seems to be so concerned with you. From your own lips. After all, there’s three sides to every story: Yours, his, and the truth.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”What's there to tell? None of it make any of it or this right, nor does it fix the past. But sure. Percival is concerned because in all reality he should've been. We grew up together, I showed him around GATES Academy, originally assigned as a hallway buddy and later turned into fast friends. He was like a brother to me, especially since with him I was able to escape my home life. It wasn't often or always, because leaving for too long meant getting punished further…although…sometimes those were worth it if it meant spending a bit more time with him and his mom's. My original rents were abusive, physically, mentally, emotionally, the whole kit and caboodle. Fast forward to these weird ass exams we had to take back at GATES, we always took them together. Had the same block, and then suddenly one day he just…stopped. He left me alone in there, and that was when the tests started getting worse. I'd black out, lose time, forget what I was doing, and sometimes came back sore. All the while he was gone. I thought he'd abandoned me, abandoned our friendship and left me to rot like my parents had. So, I did what I was taught, what I grew up knowing. I took my feelings out on him in the most imaginative ways that I could, until eventually he left and left me. I'd never felt more alone than when he'd fully transferred out. Percival is right, I am a bully, and he had every right to fear me. More shits happened between then and now, a lot he doesn't know or probably care about if I'm honest. Your girlfriend knows though, she knows better than anyone I'd wager…”[/color] 

Chase took another chip, biting into it as he continued to drive with one hand on the wheel. His eyes were on the road, but the look was distant, as if in his own thoughts.

As Sabine listened, it grew clear that there was a lot more happening behind the scenes. Chase’s parents first of all. She had never been abused, physically, mentally, emotionally, or otherwise. She supposed she should count herself lucky. But she had one parent leave, abandon her essentially, for reasons still unclear, and another who became so broken he threw money at the problem in the hopes it would solve everything.

And she knew what it was like to be labeled a bully, true or not. She had been angry. At everyone making assumptions about her and labeling her without getting to know her. So she lashed out at others before they could hurt her. Isn’t that what bullies did?

[color=A2797E]”Back in France, there was a girl who got seriously hurt. For some reason, the teacher blamed me. This was before I knew about my own powers, but she could sense it. I didn’t do anything and my father stuck up for me, but since then I was always labeled as the “weird one”. No one trusted me. When my powers came in full I was not trusted even more. Everyone thought I would cheat or lie to get what I want. Did I buy that shirt at the store or did I wipe the cashier’s memory and make it seem like I did? My own father and his wife didn’t fully trust me. So I lashed out. And then we came to America and I found a school where maybe I could learn to handle my powers and be amongst peers who could believe in me. Only I was ostracized even further. No one trusts psychics. So, I lashed out even more. Made people’s lives miserable, spread rumors, hell I even hurt Leah. And it took getting to know Excelsior to make me see that there’s people out there that do believe in me. It’s why I fight so strongly to protect them, because I wish I had them growing up. So, I know what it’s like. Granted, different set of circumstances. But your past doesn’t define you. It’s what you choose now that matters. And there’s people out there that get that. Seems like Leah does. And Ben. Percy will too. It just might take more time.”[/color]

She sat back in her seat, allowing the music to wash over the trauma dump. [color=A2797E]”For what it’s worth, thank you for sharing. It sounds like a rough situation to grow up in. I’m glad you're here and safe. Save for punching and kicking,”[/color] she added the last part with a sly grin to show she was joking.

Chase didn't see anything wrong with what Sabine had said. Who cares if she used her powers to get clothes or food or whatever, that's called survival. You adapt or you die. He wasn't sure if she'd agree with him on that however. [Color=585c74]”Please, I think after everything the abuse was the easy part. Also, fuck all those people. Who cares if you did or didn't snag a shirt. People without powers do it all the time.”[/color] He rolled his eyes at the prospect before a stray thought crossed his mind. She came into her powers, as did Ben, and Danni, and almost all the others. Chase gripped the steering wheel hard, the leather groaning in protest as he did. Even amongst the school of SuperFreaks he was different. He didn't grow into anything. [Color=585c74]”Right. Leah mentioned you're a moon bug too.”[/color]

[color=A2797E]”I don’t think I have ever heard of it referred to as a moon bug, but yeah, I suppose. Also, that’s not what our powers are for. Could I? Yes. But should I? It isn’t black and white necessarily. But I am not in a position where I need to for survival. But there’s people out there that would use it for wrong even if they did not have to. I’m not like that.”[/color]

The conversation was making her question if Chase could be fully trusted or not. She knew back when Percy freaked out that Chase wasn’t fully innocent, but he wasn’t fully guilty either. There was more to him, but his walls were fully up. [color=A2797E]”So, I take it you aren’t a…moon bug then?’[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Nah. Benny Boi is, he's basically King of the Bugs too. One of the many things I found out your girlfriend and I share. Wouldn't of expected to find two Moon Bugs though, don't know why but kinda assumed that it was more rare or something. So quid pro quo, you don't have the money to fully cloth an entire homeless encampment before a harsh winter comes. Would it be wrong to use your powers to steal enough to help them survive?”[/color]

[color=A2797E]”It isn’t so simple as that though. Would me asking for donations be possible? And if I did use my powers, would targeting a clothing store that, say, donates money to fund wars in other countries be considered good then? Most simply, yes, I would use my powers to help, but there’s also what happens after? Would I lie or tell the truth? And I wouldn’t hide it. I’ll face the consequences. That’s the difference.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”You sound like him.”[/color] Chase replied almost mournfully. [Color=585c74]”Life isn't so black and white, and its ever rarely kind. That's been my experience so far. I've spent a better part of it just trying to survive till the next day. So sorry if my views are a bit more greyed out than all you heroes back there. I never asked to be a hero, nor did I ask to have these powers.”[/color]

[color=A2797E]”But that’s your choice now. You don’t have to be a hero if you don’t want to be, but the other side of it isn’t being a villain. You could just exist if you want. If other people don’t like that, that’s their problem. I won’t judge you for having to do what you need to do to survive, that’s just being human.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”I never said I'd be a villain. I just want to be and let be, that's it. Oh and while we're at it, I have no money so I hope you're aware I'm stealing all of the stuff we need for this trip.”[/color] Chase pulled his phone out and tossed it over towards Sabine, the music app already opened up after having selected a new song. Wobble by V.I.C. [color=585c74]”What kind of music you listen to?”[/color] Chase grabbed a pair of sunglasses from his dash and put them on.

[color=A2797E]”There’s no need for that. I have money.”[/color] Though Sabine had a sinking suspicion Chase knew that and intended to steal anyway. Likely why he wanted her to tag alone. [color=A2797E]”Latest hits, pop, hip hop, alternative, and electronica mainly. Sometimes screamo if I need to get feelings out, but that’s few and far between.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”And be indebted to you or your group? No thank you. I was gonna steal before I invited you, I'm gonna steal still. Besides, corpos suck. They deserve to lose a bit, they wouldn't even notice it's gone. “[/color] His parents were master thieves for pété sake. That didn't make them villains, they just helped people in different ways, like Robin Hood. Chase decided to keep his comment about how predictable her taste in music was to himself. 

[color=A2797E]”It’s not a debt if it is offered willingly.”[/color] Still, Chase wasn’t so wrong. Corporations did suck. How many of them claimed to care about others and then give money away to wars or to governments who only cared for themselves?

[color=A2797E]”Fine, we steal. But only what we need.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Fiiiine. I'll take the 20 maki sushi rolls off the list then.”[/color] Chase turned the car into the parking lot, finding a spot under a shaded tree before putting the car in park and getting out. He began to stretch himself a little before pausing and realizing he wasn't on a road trip anymore, yet the routine hadn't left him. 

[color=A2797E]”If you can convince me why we need 20 maki sushi rolls I may allow it. I am a harsh critic, though,”[/color] she joked before getting out of the car herself. She didn’t like this and didn’t know, still, why he wanted her to come. [color=A2797E]”Okay, be honest, why am I here? It sounds like this isn’t your first time stealing something you need. And I have never done it before. So why me?”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Maybe I just really like Maki Rolls, maybe I've never had one and really want to try one because I grew up poor and abused. Or maybe I just felt like it.”[/color] Chase shrugged. He hadn't expected Sabine to even indulge the idea of it, let alone ask him for a reason. Truth was, Maki Rolls weren't even on the list. [Color=585c74]”I've helped my Rents before yeah, but its always suspicious when a teen that looks like me enters a store alone. Leah's too tall and attention grabbing, Benny Boi wouldn't do well with it, and Danni talks too much. Above all else…I never got a chance to say thank you for that message you sent out the other day. So, thanks for being the only person in that room that didn't immediately judge me. Even if you are judging me now.”[/color] Chase stuck his tongue out at Sabine. 

Sabine rolled her eyes, platfully, but not without some concern. [color=A2797E]”I am not judging you Chase. We all have a history and not all of it is sunshine and rainbows. I know you had a harsh situation growing up and had to make do with what you were given. All I am saying is that there’s more than your past that defines you now. Even if some people still want to latch on to it and judge you for it.”[/color]

She surveyed the store and parking lot. [color=A2797E]”And you’re welcome. As I said, I know what it’s like to be judges before given a chance. Give them time, they’ll come around. So, game plan? Am I lookout? Distraction?”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Neither. You can help me pick foods your friends will like. Figure we need staples, condensed soup, rice, beans canned or dried or both, maybe some jerkys for protein, although technically rice and beans together form a complete protein, maybe some bottled waters incase there isn't potable water while there, and we can always refill the water bottles using the Ice Kings powers, shit like that.”[/color] Chase began to make his way towards the store. 

Sabine didn’t know much about food preferences if she were being honest. She knew in general what people favored and didn’t. [color=A2797E]”We’ll have to stock up on sweets. We have a lot of sweet tooths among us. Also possibly some meat alternatives? I don’t know if any of them are vegetarian, but better safe than sorry.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Lame. They won't last long if that's the case. The place we're going to, if any of the information I've been given is correct, is more like Medieval England. A time of Knights and Kings and tons of meat and grains. Not exactly vegetarian safe.”[/color] Chase took Sabine's hand in his as he led them into the store and straight for the Hispanic aisle first. They would need a few bags of rice, but that would not only last them a while but preserve well so long as there wasn't a ton of moisture present. [Color=585c74]”How heavy can you carry? Best if we split up the load amongst others so we don't tire out one person. Also you're girlfriends crazy, so I definitely need to figure out what she eats.”[/color]

Sabine felt a surge of warmth when Chase held her hand, but she waved it off. [color=A2797E]”Yeah, she’s a wild one. She eats a lot of things. She would be good with meats and rice and all that, especially given where we are going. She’s a survivor.”[/color] She knew all too well how much Leah had suffered. And Chase too, in connection. [color=A2797E]”I mean I work out, but we are talking yoga, tai chi, and Pelaton. I can hold a decent amount if needed, but I won’t lie, the body is more for show than anything else.”[/color]

Chase bit back a loud bought of laughter. [Color=585c74]”Didn't think she'd be good with meats given…well nevermind.”[/color] He snickered at the thought as bags of white rice from the back end of the shelf began to vanish and appear beneath the blanket of the backseat of his car, all while he looked at them as if debating which ones to buy. [Color=585c74]”It's a good show too. Well fit a Brit lift say. So are you vegetarian at all? Oh we'll need something Kosher too…hmmm…”[/color] Chase began to pull Sabine down a bit further as he scoured the dried beans debating which ones to get.

[color=A2797E]”No, I am not. I like meat as much as the next girl.”[/color] The innuendo plain as day. [color=A2797E]”All right, since we are shopping for food, what’s your ideal final meal? I know it’s kind of morbid, but if you were given carte blanche to have anything you want, what would it be?”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Couldn't tell you. Until recently my best meal was a single baked potato with some butter on it. Beyond that i was only fed scraps, leftovers, or whatever I could find which was rarely a lot. But man do I make a mean baked potato.”[/color] Chase had finally settled on Black Beans. Taking a few bags as he had the rice before going to the canned ones and getting several varieties ranging from black, brown, and honey barbecue. [Color=585c74]”The idea of trying something new as a last meal is kinda cool but what if I hated it? Then I'd be disappointed just before I die. What about you?”[/color] 

Sabine allowed herself some thought. [color=A2797E]”Whatever I am choosing, I am ending with Baked Alaska. Amazing dessert. I had it at a restaurant back in France when my father, in a rare moment of paternal bonding, took just me out, shortly after we buried my mother. Or, who I thought was my mother. Then I’d choose a mix of different foods that I have enjoyed since coming over here. Tacos, french fries, pizza. Say one thing about the states, they got an assortment of cultures that make great food.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Baked Alaska is a dessert? Shit I thought it was a fish…”[/color] Chase scratched his head in thought as some cans vanished away, the shadows taking them. For a moment there he'd forgotten that a father taking you out didn't just mean beating you till you passed out, what different lives they'd already both lived. [Color=585c74]”Have you had any of Danni's food? Its amazing, actually if anything I'd probably ask him to cook me my final meal. Whatever he makes I'm sure to enjoy it.”[/color] 

[color=A2797E]”I have had the pleasure on occasion, though I mainly treat him to stuff. There’s a coffee place we frequent that has amazing hot chocolate. I’m glad you and Danni got to be so close. It’s hard to not love him immediately. He was actually my first friend here. I…didn’t get along with everyone else initially. But Danni made it incredibly hard to be mad at.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Please. I didn't have a choice. He latched on to Benny so quick I got a little jealous. They were texting everyday while Ben and I went camping. So I finally got to speaking to him and well…he's a pretty cool guy. Also helps that hes Kingston fucking Kitchen. So cool meeting an internet sensation. Not that that's [i]why[/i] I met him. So, what would you want to pick for this trip? I've already got a few stables from here, may want to bring some seasoning bottles too.”[/color]

Kingson Kitchen, a wild callback. [color=A2797E]”Yeah, once he latches on to you, you can’t shake him, so you may as well enjoy the ride.”[/color] She considered what she would want for the trip. She had never been camping that didn’t come with catered lunches. [color=A2797E]”Some fruit maybe? Something easily carried. And good to avoid scurvy. Apart from that, I leave it to the expert. I have a feeling my camping experience will not be so useful.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Cute. Fruit spoils too quickly, especially if you get things like bananas or other fruits that release gasses to help ‘mature’ themselves. It'll increase the rate at which other fruits spoil. We can snag some lemons, limes, and maybe some bottles of them too to help with scurvy. Just gotta be careful.”[/color] Most of the food Chase had grabbed thus far had been Kosher, taking them both towards another aisle that carried spice bottles, choosing the most expensive looking ones and snagging a few of the vanilla pods as well. If anything that could be good currency. [Color=585c74]”So. You asked why I asked you here. I wanna know why you said yes. What's your angle.”[/color]

Sabine shrugged. [color=A2797E]”We haven’t talked since what happened and I wanted to check and see how you were. Part of it, at least. The other part is that you are still new and as much as I trust Danni, there’s still the unknown. And, like I said, part of what I do is making sure the team is safe, so when something or someone unknown attaches itself, I feel obligated to check it out.”[/color]

A part of Chase wanted to test that machismo that Sabine was exuding. To push her against the aisle as shadows formed around him in a vague threat to see how far she would go for her team, or temp her in other ways, but he knew Ben wouldn't be happy about either one of those. That was when his phone buzzed, a group chat made by April it seemed telling everyone to pack their meat. He tapped back a quick reply to the chat.

[Hider=Otherworld Trip 2039]
Ben isn't with me right now but sure I'll make sure I do before we set off. 

And Benny Boi, gave the Giant our number. She's chill.[/hider]

He looked back at Sabine. [Color=585c74]”Here I was worried I wouldn't be able to pack my meat. But hey, seems that one of your friends is ok with it at least. So, let's go take a look at some good meat options for the road. Gonna need tons of salt and herbs now if we want to keep it fresh.”[/color]

Sabine also read the text and rolled her eyes good-heartedly. April was such a joy. [color=A2797E]”Told you it would be okay. Maybe some jerky? Good source of protein and good to travel with?”[/color]

Chase let go of Sabines hand, smiling as he tapped his finger to his head. [Color=585c74]”Now you're getting it. There's a reason you're Excelsiors team leader, you got smarts.”[/color] His other hand held out in front of him as shadows tangled together into a tote bag as he pulled it up and over his shoulder. [Color=585c74]”Let's go get some citrus.”[/color]

Chase took the pair of them into the produce aisle, grabbing about five lemons and limes and placing each into a plastic baggie before dropping it into his tote bag. [i]Everyone[/i] in Cali was very ‘bring your own bag’ in stores. Saves on plastic and all that, so having him do it didn't even stand out, and with his Gothic look it appeared more of an aesthetic than anything else. He snagged two bottles of lime juice and two more of lemon, just to be safe, before turning and grabbing a few cases of dried fruits. Apricots, Bananas, Pineapples, Raisins, and a few yogurt covered ones as well. [Color=585c74]”So how did you and Leah end up together?”[/color]

Sabine felt proud having earned some praise from Chase finally. It made sense to have food that would be easy to travel with. However, what struck her was his other comment. Her, the team leader? Surely not, right? But then, who was it? [color=A2797E]”I wouldn’t call myself the leader. I don’t think we have one, to be honest. We worked together, though it took us a bit at the start.”[/color]

Sabine debated going into detail, but did Leah share how they met when she hung out with him? [color=A2797E]”You know how I said I was a bully when I came here? Me and Leah were put together as roommates and we butted heads a lot. There was one class where we dueled each other and it ended so poorly. But we gradually got to know one another better and started seeing how it would work. Ended up working nicely, as it happened. We were with April for a bit too, but April ended things. We sort of jumped into it too quickly, so it was for the best. But yeah, we took the whole “but they were roommates” thing quite literally.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Uhhh huh. So like enemies to lovers type shit? Did you bully her? Or just general nuisancing. Also who's April again?”[/color] Chase grabbed a bottle of Suja from the nearby cooler and cracked it open, drinking it halfway before placing it in his bag and moving toward where the Jerky section was. [Color=585c74]”Also, [i]someone[/i] has to be the leader. Every team has one, the one they follow. Just figured you were it.”[/color]

He paused in front of a row with a wide selection of Jerky flavours all pinned to the wall. A question bubbling at the back of his mind at something Sabine had said. [Color=585c74]”How was it? The three of you, before it all ended and stuff. You mentioned it was too fast but how would one even know?”[/color] Chase grabbed a pack with a bit of spice to it. Had to help build Ben's tolerance somehow, while also getting a few normal ones and a couple sweet packs, motioning to Sabine to pick out a few herself.’’

Sabine motioned to some of the sweeter ones. She didn’t really eat jerky, but she figured she would enjoy those flavors. [color=A2797E]”I definitely bullied her. She gave as good as she got though, but I was too suck in my own head to even hear it, really.”

“As for the three of us…first off, April is the one who summoned that hot chocolate ice wall from before. They’re Danni and Dorian’s sibling. Anyway, we jumped into it too fast. Me and Leah were more….hands-on shall we say whereas April wasn’t. Not that we didn’t do things or spent time and showed we cared about each other, but April never went that far.”[/color] Sabine stopped before she mentioned April’s brief stint at C.A.G.E. It wasn’t her story to tell. [color=A2797E]”April ended things and, admittedly, it upset me. Not so much because we were breaking up, I felt things weren’t great either, but it was more I felt bad that I pushed her into it. Again, my head was so far up my own ass I didn’t see it. So I fell back, got angry, and ignored them. And that’s on me. But we made up, talked, got through it, and now they are one of my best friends.”[/color]

A lightbulb finally clicked into Chase's mind. A look of confusion and disbelief. [Color=585c74]”[i]That was a girl?![/i] I mean kudos I guess but I totally thought the Ice King was just another dude. Wait…is that the same chick you kissed on National TV during the Contest of Champions? Shit. Sorry man, didn't realize how recent the break up was. I mean it's barely been a month since the Contest. We don't gotta talk about that if you don't want to.”[/color] He grabbed the bags that Sabine had pointed towards.

[color=A2797E]”Yep, that was her. Fun fact: she had actually kissed me before that also. Very confusing, but as I said, we worked it out.”[/color] Sabine left the comment about April being another dude alone. She had noticed a change in April, but decided to let April be the one to speak on it, if they ever wanted to. [color=A2797E]”It’s fine though. As I said, I’m over it. Leah actually took the break-up better than I did.”[/color]

Why would kissing your girlfriend be confusing? Unless…ofcourse…were they already broken up with at the contest? Hell on a pogostick this felt like another math problem from a school aptitude test. Chase sighed. He had hoped to get more answers towards something that he was debating on but if anything it made everything feel more confusing. [Color=585c74]”Makes sense Leah took it well. She seems very level headed. Crazy given what she's probably been through.”[/color] Wait, did Sabine know? She'd have to know, after all they're dating. Still. He bit his lip as he tried to think.

[color=A2797E]”Don’t get me wrong, Leah was a mess before. Not very social, not very team-oriented. Given her past, not surprising. It took a while for her to open up to me even. But she worked hard, opened herself up to others, even went to therapy. Well, we all did. Had to after the events with Arcade. I’m glad she’s open to talking about it with others. Goddess knows we could all stand to do more of that. Though, maybe not in front of a whole bunch of witnesses. Had to work social media magic to prevent rumors spreading.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Kinda forced her hand by accident on that. But it was fine, she was pretty ok about it all. Honestly explains some of her more wild traits, like how she opens up Ramune bottles or drinks a smoothie. But I get that. Talking does tend to help when you can do it.”[/color] Chase wanted to ask about how an Arcade made them all need therapy, yet he figured if it did require therapy then it probably wasn't a great conversation topic.

[color=A2797E]”It’s not easy. I know I struggled with opening up. That’s actually why I was with Marlena. The vision showed me…my mother. My mother died when I was very young, around 5 years old. Or so I thought. But yet, she’s alive. And I got in my own head about it. But she helped and I learned how to skateboard and clear my head.”[/color]

Chase wanted to lean in and hug Sabine. That had to be rough, hearing the parent you thought had died was actually alive and hadn't once reached out. At least, that was what he imagined. His parents were dead and he was more than grateful for it, but as he awkwardly took a half step towards her to hug her, he stopped and decided better of it. [Color=585c74]”Sorry to hear that, really, but that better not be a recurring theme with you all at this school. Leah's dead dad is alive, your mom's alive, this supposed teacher is alive, I swear if we find out my parents are alive I'm killing them all over again.”[/color]

Sabine chuckled, partly because it was odd how many of them had issues with parents being dead and then alive, and partly because of Chase. [color=A2797E]”Hadn’t thought of that, but you’re right. We definitely got some parent issues in our group here. If fiction is anything to go on that makes us all main characters. Or part of a Disney movie since they love killing off parents.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”So long as it isn't Pinocchio”[/color] Chase shuddered, moving away from the aisle and towards where they kept toiletries and the like. He had a list from Danni a while back, products he thought he should use for his skincare routine. Chase didn't care much for it, but he didn't know how much actually got used up and figured he'd pack a little extra for Danni. [Color=585c74]”That movie gives me the creeps. Honestly if I had to guess, you guys are the main characters, Ben, Lena and I are just the homosexual supporting cast. Not that I mind it, never been one for the limelight.”[/color]

As they walked, they past by an aisle full of pet food, treats, and toys. He never had one growing up, thankfully as he'd hate to think of how his parents would've acted towards it, but he'd always wondered what it would be like to have one. [Color=585c74]”You ever have a pet?”[/color]

[color=A2797E]”I don’t buy that. I bet you all are part of the main cast. Though you forgot to include Millicent.”[/color] She wondered how much the new peeps would be involved. Marlena seemed content to the background, not one for hero stuff, but did Ben? Did Millicent? Or were they all just there because no other place wanted them?

[color=A2797E]”I do, actually. A pup named Jean-Luc! He spends a lot of time in my dorm room. Especially given recent events, I think it’s the safest place for him, though with us going to the Otherworld, or Avalon, I may have to take him with me. I don’t trust my family to watch him. Plus, Leah loves him.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Oh shit. I thought she was one of you guys. I mean I knew Ben and all were new cuz we all met and skated together over break talking about how we were new in town.”[/color] If he remembered correctly, Millicent was also the name of his roommate. Well least he was with another new kid. [Color=585c74]”Wanna grab some spare food for the pup while we're here? Or does he only eat the fancy stuff like…shit what do fancy does eat? Quail? Duck? I dunno but we can get some kibble which would travel better than any meat.”[/color] Chase paused in their walked, midway between the pet aisle and the next, waiting to see where Sabine wished to go.

Sabine followed Chase to the pet aisle. [color=A2797E]”He eats regular dog food. I don’t think even I could keep up the budget if he dined on quail all the time,”[/color] she joked. Sabine pointed out some of Jean-Luc’s favorite brands of food. [color=A2797E]”He’s fairly easy regarding his diet.”

“And Millicent is a pop star. Like very famous. Plus, she’s Danni and Dorian’s cousin. April’s too, now. I don’t know much about her apart from what I read online, but she seems cool.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Great. My roommates a Popstar. Oh…great…my roommates a popstar and I punched a hole in our dorm wall. Maybe I can hang a poster up before she sees it, to cover it up.”[/color] There seemed to be a lot of connections Chase wasn't aware of, especially involving Danni. Seemed the whole family was some form of celebrity or other, whether it was internet fame or beyond. He grabbed the bags and food that Sabine had pointed out, adding each into his tote as he listened to her explanations. [Color=585c74]”Jean-Luc friendly I take it? Think I could play with him sometime?”[/color]

[color=A2797E]”Oh yeah, very friendly. He warms up easily. I mean, he adores Leah and she can be intensely prickly at times. Give him a treat and he’s basically piddy in your hands.”[/color] Sabine let the hole in the wall comment go. That’s something for Chase to deal with. And Millicent, if she ever found out.

[color=A2797E]”Any more things we need? Seems like we got a lot of good stuff.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Getting some face routine thing, some batteries, and a cake for Percival's birthday tonight along with some candles, decorations, the whole shabang. Beyond that…I [i]think[/i] we're good. Kinda hoping everyone's packing something but im trying to snag things people may miss. Actually…wheres a good place at school we can throw a private party for him?”[/color]

Sabine gave it some thought. [color=A2797E]”There’s the quad if we want to have it outdoors, otherwise we could have it in the dining hall. I imagine it would be pretty easy to clear it out if we wanted to keep it private. People tend to respect the team that won the Contest of Champions.”[/color] Sabine wondered what the batteries would be for and her mind went to Vicky, but quickly dismissed it. 

[Color=585c74]”I was thinking of more like…someone's room. Then again there's a lot of us and it would be pretty cramped. If we could leave campus I'd of suggested a roller rink, but doubt this school has one.”[/color] Chase laughed, noting how ridiculous the idea of a school having a rink would be. [Color=585c74]”Lets snag a few cases of soda too. Worst case we leave em behind, best case I can bring my Jeep to Avalon and we store them in the trunk. You drink soda?”[/color]

[color=A2797E]”Yes Chase, I drink soda,”[/color] she said sticking her tongue out. [color=A2797E]”I don’t know of a roller rink, but there’s an ice rink that I go to. I introduced Leah and Andy to ice skating back in New York and they kind of took to it. We could go there, but I don’t know if Percy would enjoy it. But then again, he doesn’t have to skate if he doesn’t want to. He could just enjoy his birthday.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Well there's the Ice Rink outside too but he doesn't Ice Skate much. We mostly did roller rink as kids…”[/color] Chase had a distant look again, before clearing his throat and moving on. Quickly walking as cases of soda vanished from behind the shelves and appeared into his car. Pineapple Fanta, Orange, Ginger Beer, Bold Ginger Ale, and Cherry Coke. A good variety to ensure everyone was covered on drinks. It was hard, the more he remembered what he needed for this birthday, the more the memories one previous ones flooded in his mind. He hated himself for having missed some. 

The only sweets he'd seemed to grab were Turkish Delights and Baklava, quite a few of it too. Percy had an odd taste in food, then again his mother's made odd food to begin with. Chase was always just happy to enjoy a warm home cooked meal when with them, even if sometimes that meal had a fish head staring back at him. 

Sabine watched as Chase seemed to have some internal conversation. She opted to let him have it. After all, Percy and Chase had a history and not all of it was great. They were entitled to private moments. [color=A2797E]”This was oddly fun. Still not a fan of stealing, but it’s not like they’ll miss it. Does Percy know about this party also? He doesn’t strike me as the type of guy who enjoys a surprise.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”He's had a day full of surprises. Between me, the prophecy, and everything else going on. Whats one mote surprise? I ruined the beginning of his birthday. Intentional or not, I plan to set it right but having him end it on a good note. Stealing can be loads of fun, with the right people.”[/color] Chase winked at Sabine and blew her a kiss before snagging the cake from a cooler and gently putting it into his bag. Once away from the bakery area, having grabbed all the decor and what was left of his packing list, Chase allowed the shadows to swallow up the items and deposit it into his car. 

Ssbine had to give it to him, the logic was sound. Plus, Percy deserved it what with Nemo being taken. End the day on a good note before they trekked somewhere where who knows what would happen? [color=A2797E]”Fair enough. So are we just walking out like nothing happened? Or one at a time? As you said, teenagers together tends to attract attention.”[/color]

[Color=585c74]”Please. If there's one thing about me babe, its that I always got a trick up my sleeve.”[/color] Chase stepped in close to Sabine, dropping the tote of shadows between them as it spread and they fell through it, each appearing into their own seat of the Jeep. Chase was already buckling his seat beat as he went to start the car back up. [Color=585c74]”Always have a planned getaway. You learn a thing or two when your parents are professional thieves. I may not be the child of heroes, but I have some pretty cool rents. So, let's see what this Millicent Broadway sounds like on the way back.”[/color] 

Having been added to a group chat with everyone's numbers made the next part easy. Chase made a new chat with everyone but Percy.

[Hider=Surprise Party 🥳]
Sup nerds, it's Percys Birthday today and I've got him a cake and decor, find me a room at school with enough space for a party and show up. That's not a suggestion, it's a threat. 💚[/hider]

[hider=Surprise Party 🥳]

[color=A2797E][i]WE got him a cake, though I guess I was more moral support. Party time![/i][/color][/hider]

Sabine felt weird being transported like that, but suffice to say it worked. She buckled herself in. [color=A2797E]”You are full of surprises Chase. Crank up the tunes!”[/color]