Where your eyes don't go a part of you is hovering

[seeksherownsalvation]

WHO: Everyone who's signed up for the Shadow Märchen plot and the people who get involved with them.
WHERE: All over the City.
WHEN: February 1st through February 9th. Specify the dates when you tag in.
WARNINGS: Probably a lot, since this is a festival of dark sides.
SUMMARY: The City plays host to a twisted theater of the mind as numerous imPorts become darkened, monstrous versions of themselves.
FORMAT: To be chosen by the thread-starters.

The start of a new month shouldn't mean anything special for the City--but this time, it does. Even if it's only because of an accident.

The pull of despair within each victim might come from nowhere, or it might seem like the most natural extension in the world of their current circumstances. However it manifests, the results come quickly: one living shadow all too eager to broadcast its nature far and wide, attached to a monstrous witch that warps the world around it in order to feel at home.

Where once there was an ordinary building, there now might lurk the entrance to a distorted dimension controlled by one of those witches. Where once there was a friend, there's probably now a monster. Can't find the friend that's become this monster? Don't worry too much about missing the chance--the familiars of their witch roam the streets looking for those who can be dragged into the labyrinth.

But take heart: what's within is still the same familiar person...in its own way.

Comments

[notadartboard]

Sanji kept one arm just barely around her as he escorted her down into the building and down a few floors to the apartment number Nill gave him. It didn't take a genius to figure out that his ability to hear her now had to do with her touching him, but he still didn't want to do anything too forward (lest Callie hear about it and rip his favorite parts off). Still, he felt a twinge of personal pride that he was allowed to be treated to Nill's inner voice, at last. "Here we are," he said as he delivered her to the door. "No further trouble, that's always good. Will you be all right, here, for a little while? At least, until whatever's causing this this time wears off or passes. I can come check on you later, too - after I make sure Callie is okay."

[culver]

If Nill had known his feelings about "hearing" her, she might have done it much sooner. As things stand, she still prefers nonverbal communication, if she can help it. Some days her power is just too strange to use--and it isn't as if she employs it in her day-to-day activities. The woman who worked behind the counter at her favorite deli was nice and knew her, but she might not be so open to Nill's power as her friends were.

The blonde rubs at her temple for a moment, and then nods. She'll be alright, now that she has a place to lie down. A nap is in order, she thinks. Maybe something to eat later. Nill reaches out for his cheek, touching gently. Thank you. She tries to smile a little.

[notadartboard]

Even such a small gesture from such a cute girl was likely to make Sanji break out in wiggles and squee. He beamed widely and nearly melted at her touch. "No, no, don't worry about it. It's no problem at all," he assured, unable to stop grinning. "Anything for my dear damsel. I'll check in later. Take care, now, all right?"

He managed to regain his composure enough to straighten up and adjust his tie, and then reached to give her hair a little playful ruffle before turning to leave. Only then did he finally light the cigarette he had held between his teeth the whole way back, letting the smoke drift behind him as he indulged in the satisfaction of a job well done. Now, to his new apartment and his other favorite lady...

[culver]

Sanji has always been strange like that, she thinks. But it's flattering, and not at all frightening like it might have been when she'd first arrived. The blonde nods, dropping her hand to grip at the elbow opposite. It's a nervous habit she's never managed to break, but she doesn't even notice that she's doing it now.

She watches him go for a few moments before going into the apartment. It's sparsely furnished, but there are plenty of blankets on the bed--all of which she heaps upon herself, not even bothering to put on pajamas. A good nap is all she needs. Then she can figure out what all this had been about.