Cherubplay

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Gamzee nodded and ducked down to give Tavros a small kiss before they continued on their way. He walked companionably with his dear matesprit and soon got them back to the hotel where they were staying and up to where there rooms were. "Let's get Hatter and Hare and head over to the other three, shall we?" he smiled down at Tavros quite fondly before knocking at the Screechland pair's door to invite them over for a meeting before proceeding to the other room to knock.

2014-11-26 19:19:07
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The walk was quick, and gathering everybody into the trio's room took hardly any time at all. It reminded Tavros of their meetings in the main room of Sollux's apartment, going over their next moves carefully while drinking tea and reviewing notes. He stood by the door, hands fiddling a bit with each other, "Okay, everyone. The meeting with, uh, the Zodiac member Equius Zahhak went fairly well! We are working with them, technically, but it is more an alliance."

Vriska raised an eyebrow, "Elaborate, Chief."

"I don't think we are the types to, use violence as means to get points across. But just a nonviolent approach will not work, either. So we are going to use our own agendas to get things done, but we are not going to hinder the other party. If we need help, we can go to Zodiac, and vice versa."

Kanaya gave a small nod, her hand running through her hair somewhat solemnly, "Are we going to Starnette after the meeting?"

Tavros shook his head, leaning against the door tiredly, "It is too dangerous. The knights are returning, and the White Rabbit told us a particularly helpful but frightening riddle..."

Sollux frowned, "He was there? He is so irritating, and his necessity doesn't help."

"Tell me about it," Vriska complained, "So we'll go West instead of Starnette? Are we going to get my ship? Perhaps it would be best for us to split up and cover more ground to get things done."

2014-11-26 19:35:40
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"The Rabbit gave us a place to go see... Fouville? So I guess we should all up and get your ship if it'll help us travel easier. Is that the only place we wanna go out there, though?" Gamzee asked the general audience. Perhaps they wouldn't know where they were going to go next until it was time to leave some place.

"Though the Rabbit did mention we might want to stop by Starnette, remember? Just poke our heads in to see Borina, I guess."

Karkat spoke up after that. "Splitting up would probably be best. You two know where your ship is, and whoever may or may not visit Starnette should be people who can reasonably get away with going there. From the paper you brought we won't want anyone getting caught up with the knights. Especially if they're new and wanting to flex their new muscle. A recipe for disaster."

2014-11-26 19:42:41
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"I, obviously, can't go back," Sollux mused, "The government isn't going to off Alice when he's so well known the East now. Tavros, you should go."

Kanaya looked horrified, "Certainly you mean to imply alone."

He rolled his eyes, "Calm down, your baby won't be by himself. I say Vriska goes."

"Marchie can get my ship, then."

Tavros interjected, "Yes, I suppose so. What do you all think?"

2014-11-26 19:56:34
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"Neither of you know where Borina's place is. Either Kanaya or I should go along too so you can get there efficiently and get out as soon as possible," Karkat put in.

Gamzee wasn't terribly comfortable being separated from Tavros. He wanted to go with him but knew it might be stupid with his low blood and all. But every minute they were separated he would be worried out of his mind. He stewed over it in the background, not knowing what to do.

2014-11-26 20:05:30
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Karkat was still technically higher than everyone else blood wise, but Kanaya knew best how to handle herself in public and was well versed with the yellowbloods' brutality. It was difficult to think he would be separated from his matesprit, but it wouldn't take too long and if everything went well, they could move on relatively swiftly.

"Okay," He nodded, "Kanaya and I will go to Starnette while Vriska and Eridan go off to get the ship. Perhaps Karkat and Sollux can go into detail about, uh, the refugees and the current situation in the West. We know plenty about, the past and a little bit about now, but knowing a lot more about what is happening now, especially with the humans, would be wonderful."

2014-11-26 20:34:34
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"Sure, that sounds doable. We could maybe ask some of the people around here for actual experiences if they're willing to talk. We can write all this down, too, as a sort of book of crimes committed on the part of the government. Sure there won't be any real trial but if we want to support our claims that'll be easier to whip out than trying to remember everything spur of the moment," Karkat mused to himself about what they could do.

"So you want to go after the meeting here I'd suppose. Use those few days after to get our shit together and then shove off?"

Eridan discussed a little with Vriska as they listened. They could inform whoever was in charge of the docks that they would need a spot for a small while when they got the ship back to pick up the rest of the group. Telling them beforehand would probably be helpful.

2014-11-26 20:42:17
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"That is an excellent idea - document anything you think necessary." The brown blood fiddled with the ribbon in his hair, thinking, "We should leave the day of the meeting. Right after it, if the train is moving, we should go to Starnette and come back that night or the next morning. It will be, uh, a little tiresome, but I want to make sure that we are not apprehended by the knights. The papers say, uh, they are in transit, but it gave no clear indications as to where exactly they are."

Vriska grinned at the prospect of seeing her ship again, and she nudged Eridan after kissing his cheek, "We'll have to load my ship full of supplies. Sollux," The pirate peered at him curiously, "You can put whatever shit from your apartment on my ship. I haven't a clue as to when we'll all be in Starnette again. Better get anything precious out just in case it all goes to hell."

"Good idea. Kanaya," Sollux gestured for her to come closer, and he murmured what he wanted for her to get for him from his bedroom, the only item that he truly valued. She smiled warmly, kissing his forehead sweetly before patting his head cutely, to which he swatted her away.

2014-11-26 21:22:53
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"Seems like a solid plan," Karkat nodded. Glancing over at Kanaya's treatment of the yellow he smirked a little wryly. She was really being very good at being very embarrassing lately. He'd miss her while she was away even if it wasn't for very long. And it was very good that it wasn't that long of a time frame.

Eridan smiled over at the nudge, putting an arm around her in response. He was also quite excited to be on and in the sea again. And some alone time with her would probably be pretty nice, even if he was quite fond of the others.

They all knew what they were doing now for the most part. A plan was nice to have. They wouldn't have to worry about getting bored, at least, or not having something to do. Not directly given anything, Gamzee supposed he would help with the refugees and finding out about the west as well as trying to raise money fr the orphanage. Shit he could have asked about that earlier... oh well. He was sure it wouldn't be that much of a problem.

2014-11-26 21:52:23
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Tavros peered up at Gamzee curiously, an arm curved comfortably around his waist as he kissed his shoulder, "Are you going to be okay without me here?" Tavros assumed he would be, but he thought he should assure Gamzee should he have any doubts, "I think a little separation will be okay. I do not want you to get sick of me," He laughed, "Besides, you, uh, will be able to spend time with your grandmother."

"Aye, I suspect we'll have to find a map," Vriska mused, "Rent a small boat down at the docks, get a space cleared for a ship then set sail. I am guessing that it won't take too long to get to the Screechlands from Rial coast-wise. How en-fucking-thralling," Vriska could barely contain her excitement, "Finally. I can stretch my pirate muscles once again."

2014-11-26 23:52:37
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Gamzee gave him a small smile and a little squeeze. "Yeah, I think I'll survive. And it will be nice to spend time with Granma..." It would be the first time they'd be separated since the beginning of the mission besides for when they went to rescue Karkat. Obviously he would worry, and probably feel quite strange being so far away from the best friend he'd made in Wonderland so far. "I'd never get sick of you," he murmured, bending a little lower so he could talk more privately and nuzzle his dear matesprit.

"Mhmm, and I can get a good swim in!" Eridan smiled. "Maybe I'll even race your boat some," he gave a sharkish grin at that. "If we don't debarnicle it I bet I can beat you." He was being just a bit challenging; it would be a fun game.

2014-11-27 03:44:46
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"Try not to worry too much while we are separated, love." Tavros murmured, cupping his face as he kissed Gamzee's cheek, a smile on his face, "I am a little apprehensive, but I am sure that things will turn out fine. I bet you will, uh, have tons of fun with your grandmother," He nuzzled Gamzee in return, a soft hum leaving him.

She sighed dramatically, leaning against him with a a hand draped off her forehead, "It is truuuuuuuuly a shame. My darling ship will surely drag in the currents with all those bastard barnacles."

2014-11-27 17:00:45
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"I suppose..." Gamzee sighed, smiling a little. "Dunno if I can really prevent myself from worryin but I guess I can try." He just wanted to hug and snuggle Tavros to pieces right then. He whispered to him instead. "I'm gonna cuddle you like crazy before you go. And when you come back." It was kind of funny whispering such innocent things. Perhaps a testament to how inexperienced he was.

"Well, perhaps after I beat you in a race or two..." Eridan grinned, "I might see about cleaning them off as we go. Maybe...just for you." NO, he want being flirtatious at all. Who would insinuate such a thing? He almost giggled at his own behavior.

2014-11-27 17:21:22
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Even though Tavros had heard worse whispered to him before, it definitely meant more coming from Gamzee. A cinnamon bloom occupied his cheeks, and he fiddled with his ruffled skirts, smiling bashfully, "By gosh, Mr. Makara. I daresay your plans, are rather brazen to detail in a crowded room." Giving a kiss to his cheek, he gravitated to Vriska, who was speaking about her ship.

"What is your ship like, Vriska?" He questioned curiously. "I have never been on one before."

Pride gleamed in her eyes, and the pirate proclaimed, "She's a beaut, lad! Arachnae sports three sails, double boarding, six cannons and plenty of wiggle room." She gave a dreamy sigh, "I've been upgrading her for sweeps. There's some new magic out that takes sea water, filters it, then makes it usable for indoor use. You can take a bath in a ship!" It was environmentally friendly, refiltering the water to put back into the ocean and burning the impurities. "It is amazing. All she needs is a debarnacling and back up sails and ropes."

Kanaya marveled, "My word, Vriska, I have never seen you so excited about something."

2014-11-28 16:25:45
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Were they really? But he'd gotten a kiss out of it... Gamzee didn't think that would get that much of a reaction from Tavros. Since he'd wandered elsewhere he gingerly sat next to Karkat. The cherry leaned into him companionably and they chatted quietly while the others talked, half listening to conversation about the boat.

"It is a fantastic ship," Eridan admitted. "Quite sleek when not covered with sea life. Even I'll spend some willing time out of the surf to be on it. ...I wonder, do you think we'll catch up with any of my fellows or should we avoid them? They're pretty good fighters at least, that might be decent to have around if we need. Since we've heard it can be dangerous around there."

2014-11-28 17:10:31
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The intent wasn't necessarily to display such a reaction but tease some - if anyone had been looking at their whispering, it could have been taken as sexual. Tavros wondered what these "fellows" were like, especially since Vriska grimaced and wrinkled her nose.

"I don't know, Eri." She crossed her arms, "Meenah is resourceful but impulsive to a fault. Cronus is decent but...flirtatious." Vriska inclined her head to Tavros fractionally to show who she was most worried about. "And Feferi...She doesn't peg me as the type to readily ward off enemies."

2014-11-28 19:04:21
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"It was just idle wondering my dear. And Fef might seem like a bubbly little goldfish but she's terrifying with a trident... flirtacious, that's your only complaint? I guess he tries to behave himself around you. I didn't think we'd let him aboard anyway." He'd caught her glance and knew what she meant. Though if his cousin tried anything with Tavros he was pretty sure he'd probably get an earful from their other purple. Gamzee might have been relaxed most of the time but he took Tavros's security seriously. Eridan doubted he'd allow anyone to get away with flirting with his matesprit. "Anyways, it does bring up an issue. We should all probably at least practice defending ourselves if we're going into a potentially dangerous place. Hatter and I can't defend all of you at once if something happens."

2014-11-28 19:18:15
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"Ah.. That is true." Tavros had never thought that defense would be so crucial, but with their dangerous ventures so far, and what would inevitably happen in the future, he knew they would need some semblance of fighting skill. He smiled sheepishly, "There is much I do not know, past fighting. I do not even know how to swim."

A look of massive concern passed Vriska's face, and she took Tavros's face in her hands, squishing his cheeks somewhat, "What kind of ass backwards village did you live in where no one taught you how to swim?"

He rolled his eyes, though it was in good nature, "I did not know how tonread until recently, what, uh, makes you think I know how to swim?"

"We'll teach you all, then." Vriska declared, relinquishing his face before patting Tavros's head, "We'll have a swim slash fighting lesson. I'll show ya how to break knee caps and snap ribs. You'll be a menace in an hour."

2014-11-28 20:12:47
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"Oh dear." Gamzee murmured at that. He wasn't sure how he felt about being able to do such things. Swimming would be fun, though. His mother had taught him a few different strokes in the small lake in Tulgey, but he'd never gotten much practice so he was probably quite rusty.

"I suppose it wouldn't be bad to know a stroke or two. I think I might have swam once or twice...." Karkat was having a hard time remembering that many sweeps back. He was sure any fighting he'd done was forgotten, so anything they could teach any of them would be marvelously helpful.

"Should we find them some sort of weapons to practice with while we're away? Don't you have some extras you don't use on your ship, Vris?" Eridan thought he recalled some she'd collected but didn't have much use for since they weren't her style. But perhaps she'd sold them already.

2014-11-28 20:23:41
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"Quite right, there is a medley of weapons to choose from on my ship," Vriska, finally feeling legitimately useful, couldn't wait to show everyone how to use swords and daggers or how to properly defend themselves. "And do not fret yourself ragged, Chief. Learning how to use weapons and basic fighting skills doesn't mean you're some kind of monster."

Tavros pouted some, "Yes, yes, alright. I think it will be useful." The West seemed like some type of frightening, unfamiliar world that was so different from the East that they wouldn't be able to understand it. He knew that it would be dangerous to an extent, but that was the same for any place they went to, and with Vriska's training and the defense of extra manpower, Tavros though that they may stand a chance. "I want us to be prepared for anything, even attacks. I do not want us to be as blind sighted as we were with getting Karkat..."

"And that comes with proper training. We can look into some magic, too. A better understanding of possible risks make them easier to avoid or deal with," Vriska shrugged, "In any case, more people means more defense. We can take your little princess, Marchie. Perhaps Meenah. But Cronus is a no go - a visit is fine, but I don't want him coming near any of you for any reason."

2014-11-29 02:40:46
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"Awesome," Karkat muttered, pulling Gamzee's arm around him to snuggle in. The purple didn't mind a bit, consumed in his own thoughts. It was pretty clear they were pale by now. Gamzee wasn't the best at talking about his feelings though, as right now he was kind of concerned. He supposed if the pair were going to train them all and if it was either in Rial or on the ship it would be fine, but it would be yet another thing he would have to hide from everyone if he had to learn fighting skills with the rest of them. He ended up gnawing a little at his lip in worry. Wonderlanders for the most part already thought he was a monster even without that. He supposed that it would be useful, even if he was never allowed to use the skills he might learn.

"That's perfectly fine, darling." Eridan sort of cooed at her with fondness. "You'll take care of the magic though, and probably bullying him. He'll just shove me to the side after all.... though I guess I could shoot him... that might get the point across." He didn't have much of a problem with shooting Cronus either. He was enough of an asshole to everyone that he didn't feel very rude doing so.

2014-11-29 04:40:43
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"Do you really not know how to swim, dear?" Kanaya asked curiously, "I suppose I never considered it so necessary until now."

Sollux piped in thoughtfully, "Eridan would be a better teacher for that than Vriska."

The blueblood eyed him with mild irritation, "Why's that, mate?"

He shrugged, "Less prone to aggravation. It would be better to do this in groups, anyway. Eridan teaches whoever can't swim how to do so, and Vriska teaches the remainder how to use a smaller weapon, like a dagger of some kind." It was clear now how precise and orderly Sollux was as he continued, "Then we merge and the both of you teach a joint lesson of weaponry and basic fighting. It is to my understanding that it's easier when there are two people."

Considering this, and the sense it made, Vriska came to a slow agreement, "Ah. Hm. Sure. The time and place is up to the rest of you guppies." She meant this more as a term of endearment, and Tavros smiled at her, earning a playful punch to his shoulder that he laughed at. They acted more like brother and sister now than the long ago proposed moirails, though Tavros had briefly considered Eridan as a moirail. After all, his conversation with the seadweller back in the In-Between had spurred his determination to become open and honest with Gamzee, which made them formally enter each other's red quadrants to begin with. And while Tavros had not acted upon his offer for an auspitice, he did find that perhaps his ideas presented to Eridan formed his new, redder relationship with Vriska that seemed to be working much better than their kismesisstude.

2014-11-29 17:59:16
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"Vris, you're not going to start using seadweller puns, are you? We could start having whale conversations of them," Eridan giggled at the 'guppies'. He was glad Tavros and Vriska were friendly like they were, and that she wasn't too upset over the moiraillegence that wasn't. If he had thought about it he probably would have thought that quadrant with Tavros wasn't a bad idea, since they had that chat which had seemed to turn relations around for the better at the beginning of their group experience. But he had never considered it, mostly because it would have felt wrong to do so since Vriska had had feelings that way, and he'd been occupied with the other purple. That had also come to a polite conclusion though. Personally he thought the second pale relationship of the group was pretty adorable as it was right now. Though he did wonder if their mutant friend would end up with either of the other moirails in his red quadrant. As they'd all seen Karkat seemed to be favoring Sollux, but he got along swimmingly with Kanaya. But none of them needed to stick to the group, either, did they?

At the mention of a time and place Karkat looked around the room and though. "Probably somewhere that we won't get in trouble. If there's enough room on your ship that would be ideal... though weren't you two looking for somewhere to spar around town? Did you find someplace?" As he recalled Vriska had been aching for a good bought of fisticuffs and had been out for a while before dinner. "...and do you think anyone can use magic?" He didn't think he had any natural talent for the stuff, like Tavros, Sollux, or Vriska...if psionics and communing counted as magic.

2014-11-29 19:02:16
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"Oh, Vriska," The jadeblood looked over at her suddenly, "Are you not inclined to that tea magic? Perhaps you have other abilities in magic elsewhere that you have not yet had the opportunity to explore."

"That is a possibility," She acknowledged, "We should look into it. Natural magic is a tad different from something learned, 'tis the prime difference between the controlling magic I use with my eye and the tea magic." The tea magic was just for fun, really, and the controlling magic was helpful but she really had to concentrate to make it work. "Maybe supplements for our natural abilities. And I /did/ see a tavern on the way back to the hotel. The slogan was absolutely /beautiful/: Fights and Food a'plenty!"

Tavros, too, was wondering if it was entirely healthy to just stick to those within their group. He wondered if they had just began falling for each other in quadrants because they were always around each other and hadn't much room to see other people, or if it was something to do with the fates or actual legitimacy. But would that make his love for Gamzee fake and just due to close proximity? He didn't want to think about something like that.

"Oh, uh, well. Are you sure that those supplements will work for me?" Tavros questioned, "I remember when Wocky injured my arm, and Gamzee gave me this, mushroom to eat to help me heal, and it worked rather slowly, if at all. I think being Alternian has something to do with it. Communing is not too important to begin with."

Sollux shook his head, "Nonsense. You should be proud of your natural magic. It's useful."

"Anyway," Vriska interjected, "To answer your question, Karkat, there definitely is enough room on my ship. Enough room to run and practice a few fights, anything under the sun, really."

2014-11-29 19:40:42
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Tavros's magic was incredibly useful. It had saved them a violent run in with the Jabberwocky, instead it had become their friend because he could feel how it felt and communicate with it.

"Well, if there's enough room on your ship and if this tavern is an appropriate place, we've at least got two places. Time... well, maybe we should all turn in. It's getting late after all." Karkat yawned a little as he leaned against Gamzee. He wasn't doing much better, eyes drooping at he sat there. It had been quite the day.

"You think that no Wonderlandian magic-y stuff'll ever work on you, Tavbro?" Gamzee wondered. "Maybe it'll just take some time or somethin', like, to get all naturalized or whatever they call it." It was actually a point of worry in his mind. What if Tavros got really hurt and they couldn't heal him good enough? But maybe after living in Wonderland he'd sort of absorb more of it. Through eating or just breathing... whatever made up the environment and people. Biologically it might have been possible.

Seeing the state of the others, Eridan also thought it was probably time for bed. "Well, if that's all we have to discuss? I think we can get to pirating and more saving the world in the morning."

2014-11-29 20:17:17