Second Verse, Same as the First

[ceasetoexist]

 [Well, those last two weeks certainly sucked. Halloween, at least, was pretty cool as usual, but even Pokey couldn't pretend it exactly made up for being burned to death in his home. He'd tried not to think about it as everything had gone on, since it wasn't like it was the first time he had died here. But he couldn't. He couldn't stop thinking about how he'd died essentially afraid and alone, and that pissed him off.

It didn't help that he apparently had another group of people stalking him, because of the devices BLU Engie had taught him to make. And in part, that was something else he didn't want to think much about either. A lot of people he'd known had gotten droned in the past month. Engie had just been the most dominant in his mind. Though really, he should be kicking himself for caring, because it was obvious that Engie was going to leave. And all he had wanted from the guy was knowledge about how to build things, right? Right.

He needed to get his mind off everything. Get his mind off everything and start protecting himself. And what better way to do that then to make a Sentry gun like Engie had taught him?

So yeah. Feel free to notice as you go about your day that there's a kid on Ricardo Street who appears to be making what's pretty clearly a weapon on his front lawn.]

Comments

[godisachild.livejournal.com]

[No actual response to that first part, though he visibly shudders. Nope. He got caught in it.]

Probably. Maybe they should get their own.

[ergaleomancer.livejournal.com]

[Theta spots that shudder. She has an interest in that gun, and she is curious about how someone so apparently young can build such a thing.]

Maybe instead of being a selfish brat, you should pitch in to the group effort..? Maybe then you wouldn't have to live through things that make you cringe like that.

[godisachild.livejournal.com]

[He's just silent for a moment before his body starts heaving a bit. It's uncertain at first, but it becomes obvious fairly quickly, especially with how he's smiling, that he's laughing at her.]

Why? So the group can stab me in the back when I've finished doing what they want? No thanks. I'd prefer to be a user, not the used.

[ergaleomancer.livejournal.com]

[Actually that gives her pause for a moment, and earns him a bit of her respect. Maybe he's not -just- a brat.]

You think you're strong enough and smart enough to use adults? And get by without help that you haven't manipulated them into giving?

[godisachild.livejournal.com]

I did it for an entire year, so why not?

[ergaleomancer.livejournal.com]

[She nods understandingly, then offers him her hand.]

Elizabeθ Buckley.

I think you must have noticed that the stakes have been upped recently. Someone that can build things like this would be very helpful. What do you say to neither of us 'using' but standing as equals? I've designed an air purifier and oxygen generator...maybe that's worth your notice?

[godisachild.livejournal.com]

[He'll look at the hand warily. He still won't take it, but he'll at least look you in the eyes, Theta.]

Pokey Minch.

...Maybe. I'm already associated with a group of other kids, so I dunno. But maybe.

[ergaleomancer.livejournal.com]

[She nods. She's also interested in that gun; she meets his eyes to nod at him, then goes back to sizing up the gun. Could she design something similar just off the basic idea of it? Well yes probably but could she get it done and in enough time to build one before it's necessary again?]

[godisachild.livejournal.com]

[He goes back to working on it, just silent for a moment, before speaking up.]

If you offered me something, I'd be more then happy to make one for you. That's kind of how free trade works.

[ergaleomancer.livejournal.com]

I rather thought I had. Or do you not need to breathe?

[That's actually somewhat of a fair question as far as she's concerned, given all the abilities kicking around Mayfield.]

[godisachild.livejournal.com]

Exceedingly limited. What you're offering, I mean. The actual need for a purifier and oxygen generator would be pretty rare, from what I can tell. And I'm assuming that the device is personal use, and not one that can affect the whole town. So unless you're offering a personal one, I don't see why I would.

[ergaleomancer.livejournal.com]

Limited, yes. But invaluable when the need does arrive. It would work for a household, though I'm also working on gas masks.

...You're very clever for appearing to be a child. How old are you really?

[godisachild.livejournal.com]

Intellectually, physically, and emotionally, I'm just a twelve year old kid, miss.

[ergaleomancer.livejournal.com]

Intellectually I have my doubts about. But keep your secrets if you like.

[godisachild.livejournal.com]

No, I've pretty much always been this clever.

[And this childish, and this egotistical and obnoxious and immature. But he won't mention that.]

'Sides, everyone's gotta have secrets.

[ergaleomancer.livejournal.com]

Indeed.

[She'll forgive you that; you can build things apparently.]

At any rate, I think I shall head on. Good luck with your fortifications, may they serve you well.

[godisachild.livejournal.com]

...Thanks.

Good luck, yourself.