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Post by hadopelagic on Dec 29, 2022 9:24:13 GMT -6
"It is," Una agreed. "Very different. Like two planets within one. Although I suspect you'd find the deep world to be very slow-moving, compared to Wathais. I suppose it is like Iowa ..."
Of course, all Una knew about Iowa were corn fields. The state must have cities, too! She ought not jump to conclusions without visiting. Perhaps next year, as a vacation, if she made it that long.
"I'm much taller--or longer--than you," Una guessed. "By two times? And I'm gray-blue down the front, and black down the back, and I have no fingers, but my tentacles can grab food."
It wasn't a very good description; she very rarely saw herself, though. She was better able to describe her sisters.
When August asked about Ru, Una couldn't help but giggle. "He was a gentleman. Very soft-spoken, gentle, and well-dressed. Actually, I think I scared him, when I asked to wrestle. It was a silly request. I'd been misled by Hollywood movies, and believed that all vampires have vast supernatural strength. Do you know Ru? He works in WDSA. Or was it WSDA? He helps supernatural people, like a social worker."
Hopefully, she didn't offend August with that question; it wasn't like all vampires knew each other, right?
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Post by indeath on Jan 1, 2023 4:23:02 GMT -6
Ya sound lovely! I hope I get ta see ya like that one day. Tentacles huh?”
August did a double take at the mention of Ru’s name. It was no wonder Ru was always so busy, he really was a man about town. A busy little beaver. One day he hoped to help someone adjust like Ru did. Ru was such a top bloke.
“DO I KNOW RU??? Bless ya pea-pickin heart! He’s only basically my brother! He’s my roomie an’ I know him from waaay back. He works with ghosts actually! Like that’s his thing. A ghost bustin’ bad arse! I work there too. Tryin’ ta help magical creatures find the right home. So you know… They ain’t hurtin’ anyone an’ nothin is hurtin’ them.”
August saw a sign that boasted fried fish and chips. It had a pleasant enough smell but it hit differently than when he was human.
“Did he actually wrestle ya? I’m happy ta give it a shot. Oh is this the place?”
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Post by hadopelagic on Jan 4, 2023 1:52:10 GMT -6
"The fish!" Una exclaimed, distracted by the warm light from the fish & chip shop. She darted to the door and pressed her face against the glass. Inside, a couple tables were occupied, and a man in a clean apron stood behind the cash register, waiting to take the next order. It would be hers!
"I heard that ghosts can be dangerous," Una said, still peering through the glass-paned door. "The poor creatures. We get them, sometimes, even at the bottom of the ocean. Shipwrecks. They carry human spirits to our home. I once heard the sound of weeping, weeping in the dark. How I longed to help! If only Ru had been there."
She turned to look at August.
"If you don't mind, after I order supper, can we arm wrestle? I gave this body higher-than-average strength, in order to best equip it for survival. However, it does not exceed the natural range for a human of my stature." Una whipped the door open and sighed happily as a gust of warm, fried-fish-scented air spilled into the night. "Delicious."
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Post by indeath on Jan 9, 2023 4:30:59 GMT -6
Her request took August by surprise, but he believed women could be just aa strong as men especially supernatural ladies. He was certain he wouldn’t hurt her. Strong women were pretty cool. She wanted to test her might.
“A friendly arm wrestle? Why the heck not? Should we have a prize for the winner?”
Una’s enthusiasm was infectious and August was a little sad he couldn’t share in her feast. He held the door open for her with great gusto. The smell of fish hit him in the face along with the myriad of other smells coming from the customers and shop. Someone had recently gone swimming.
August beamed at the man behind the counter, producing a fresh twenty.
“Please! We would like y’all’s most recommended tastiest fish battered to perfection with a side of chips! What would ya like ta drink, Una?”
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Post by hadopelagic on Jan 12, 2023 23:44:11 GMT -6
In response to August's cheery request, the cashier thought a moment, and then he said, "That'll be the classic basked. Fish and fries."
It was so kind of August to pay for dinner, especially since he couldn't eat.
"For a drink, I'd like a soda pop, please; Sprite," she told the cashier, who grunted and nodded in acknowledgement. He jabbed a couple buttons on the cash register and then took August's twenty, returning eight dollars in change.
"It'll be right out," the cashier told them. "Take a seat."
Una didn't hesitate to dive at the nearest empty booth. She scooted to the far end of the padded seat, just in case August wanted to sit beside her instead of across from her. Thoughtfully, she placed her elbow on the table, her right arm flexed in the classic arm wrestling pose.
"If you win," she said, "I'll give you my cash money. It's all I have now."
Otherwise, Una would have offered him one of the oddies she'd collected in the shallow water around the boardwalk. People sure did drop lots of stuff into the ocean! Junk, toys, jewelry, fishing nets and hooks.
"Time for a friendly challenge?"
Una looked up at August expectantly.
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Post by indeath on Jan 13, 2023 18:14:47 GMT -6
August slipped into the seat across from Una since it would make it easier to wrestle. He shook his head a little at her idea.
“Nah! What’s the point of buying ya dinner if I take ya change? Let’s just say ya can owe me a favor? If you win, you can take me change though.”
He put his cold hand in hers and got his arm ready in the same pose as her’s.
“Game as a duck in a bakery! Let’s wrestle!”
August could feel her strength which wasn’t up to his own. She was definitely stronger than he’d expected though. He definitely wouldn’t have beaten her as a human. He didn’t want to beat her too easily though, so he let her push a couple of times. It wouldn’t be any fun if he won straight away. He ignored the looks they got from some of the other customers.
“So ah, are ya gonna look for a job or somethin’? I reckon Simon might be able ta help you out there. Or are ya gonna be a mermaid of luxury?”
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Post by hadopelagic on Jan 17, 2023 0:05:57 GMT -6
"Vampires are strong!" Well ... stronger than Una, in any case. She was impressed. "I owe you a favor, August. Though I usually give those for free, to friends."
The aproned waiter slid a basket with fried fish and potato chips in front of Una, then put a soda with ice alongside it. She looked between the entrée and the tasty side, unsure where to begin. Finally, she took a bite of the fish, and followed it with a fry. After chewing and swallowing (it was rude to speak with a mouth full of food!), Una answered August's question.
"My people gave me enough gold and silver to live here for a year. If I can survive longer than that, and I know I will!, I'll need a job or more treasure." She picked up a fork and speared a stack of fries on the prongs. "It's not easy to find gainful employment here. I tried, but nobody was interested. Eeeehm. I don't interview very well, but I'd work hard! Who is Simon? Does he have a store?"
Una felt a bit guilty that August didn't have food to eat. Would it be polite to offer him blood? Hers might taste off, but it should be human or mostly human.
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Post by indeath on Jan 19, 2023 0:33:32 GMT -6
August couldn’t help but grin madly at her compliment. It felt pretty darn good being called strong by a new friend. It was a strength he needed for sure. August watched her eat and seeing how happy it made her definitely made him happy. He was pretty sure he couldn’t be happier if he was eating it himself but then that would mean then throwing up everywhere. That wasn’t fun for anybody.
“Well since ya me friend now, consider ya favor paid. Or ya can be me film buddy! That’s a great ol’ favor! Simon is the best guy around! Like a warm hug in werewolf form. He’s the main social work guy at WDSA! Ya wanna know my trick for gettin’ hired? Just hang around where ya wanna job until they give in! Works every time.”
August was then hit with memories of his less successful job attempts or as it was… arrests.
“Just make sure it’s only durin’ workin hours and it helps ta make ya self useful. What would ya say your main skills are?”
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Post by hadopelagic on Jan 21, 2023 23:26:03 GMT -6
Una was good at many things, but not all skills could be monetized. Plus, her nocturnal lifestyle made matters tricky.
"I can sing," she suggested. "And tell stories. I'm also good at swimming, especially compared to most humans."
Perhaps she could stand outside with a cup, entertaining the citizens of Wathais for their spare change. Busking was one of humanity's oldest trades. There were street performers in ancient cities. Plus, if Una became a freelance singer, she wouldn't have to worry about the interview process, which she'd already failed multiple times.
"I am also skilled at listening to people and remembering what they tell me." She put her chin on her hands and stared at August with her wide, bright eyes. "Like ... you reckon that An Affair to Remember is hopeful, with the message that love can be eternal. And that love brings people together, even when the world pulls them apart."
For those last sentences, she did her best attempt at Auggie's unique accent.
"Where do you think I'd be useful?"
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Post by indeath on Jan 23, 2023 22:05:29 GMT -6
August grinned at her attempts at his accent. Many had tried to emulate it and many had failed. It certainly wasn’t the worst impression he’d heard. He waved another patron that was giving him weird looks for not eating. Kill them with kindness. The patron looked away somewhat embarrassed.
“I think ya could be real useful in a lotta ways! You could be a lounge singer, a night lifeguard at a pool, ya could teach people swimmin’ or singin’… Or a waitress! They gotta remember lots of things. There’s no rush though. Worse comes ta worse ya can crash on our bed at home. Do ya have jobs under the sea? Like a fish market?”
He grinned a little at his joke. Then what he thought might not be the craziest idea hit him.
“Ya could try bein’ a librarian? Then ya can learn human stuff an’ work. “
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Post by hadopelagic on Jan 24, 2023 23:47:48 GMT -6
Una hid her blush by ducking her head to eat an extra large bite of fish. By the time she'd finished chewing, the human response to embarrassment had faded.
"I wish I could be a librarian! But I don't know how to read. All the years of training, and they never warned me how important writing has become. Of course, that's one reason I enjoy movies so much."
She considered his other question. "We have roles," she said. "No money or currency, and no jobs per say, but with time, we learn our strengths and joys, and lean into them. I was chosen for this task because I enjoy observing humans. My biggest sister is a skilled fighter, so she protects. My littlest sister ... she's very good at thinking about herself, so she does what she pleases."
How wonderful it would be to see a real fish market!
"Lounge singers are very glamorous. I don't know whether I look the part, but I would enjoy the job. They talk to people, don't they? Sing and talk and crawl on pianos. Ah. That part is easy."
She demonstrated by climbing on top of the restaurant table and reclining in a very enticing manner alongside the salt shaker and napkin dispenser. Channeling Edith Piaf, she sang, "Je vois la vie en rose ..."
"Ma'am!" the waiter shouted from across the restaurant. "Tables aren't chairs!"
"Oops," Una said.
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Post by indeath on Jan 26, 2023 19:55:54 GMT -6
August laughed, clapping his applause so loudly the waitress gave him a look. He gave her an apologetic shrug.
“Très bien! Très bien! Madam you have stolen my heart with ya song! Bombaroo! Ya a natural! No doubt about it, ya got what it takes. Ya just need a fancy dress and a touch of makeup.”
August was pretty surprised this incredibly educated woman couldn’t read. Still it wasn’t her fault and nothing that couldn’t be fixed. He smiled kindly.
“As for readin’ it ain’t too late ta learn! I could help ya or we can find a professional tutor! Ya should definitely learn. I mean movies are definitely superior but uh books have a lot to offer! Then ya can watch foreign films an’ read scripts!”
August leaned in, the smell of her fish dinner under his nose. The tiny tendrils of heat hitting his cold skin. Then softly he asked a question in a conspiratorial manner.
“What the weirdest thing ya observed a person doin’?”
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Post by hadopelagic on Feb 2, 2023 1:59:28 GMT -6
"Ru showed me how to use programs on the computer," she said, "and on my phone. Voice to text, text to voice. It's been very useful."
In truth, Una was not confident that she could teach herself to read.
"Still," she admitted, "the skill would unlock a whole realm of knowledge. Perhaps I should make time to learn. What's the harm in trying?"
With a thoughtful smile, Una considered August's last question. It was tempting to recount one of the zany stories she'd heard from other mers. Like the one about a reclusive fisherman who lived along a beach. Every Saturday, he'd build elaborate cities out of sand, and then watch the tide destroy them, cackling with glee.
However, August had asked for her experience. Not a second-hand tale.
"I was wandering," Una said, "not too long ago. It was misty, and late. I must've walked past the edge of the city, going where the trees grow thick, and families live in houses with garages and yards. The suburbs. People forget to draw their curtains, and I see everything. It's not like I stop to stare, but I don't look away, either."
She hoped August wasn't offput by her voyeurism. Una was a scholar; she observed to understand!
"And on that night, I saw a family sitting around a table. Three children, a mother, and a father. They all wore plaid pajamas. And there was a cake on the table, with lit candles. A birthday ceremony! I lingered a while, just standing on the sidewalk, watching them sing. Then, the mother blew out the candles, so I continued on my way. And a couple houses down the road, I saw something odd. A woman in plaid pajamas. Sitting by herself, in front of a cupcake with a single candle. And around her, there were mannequins, a big one and three little ones. They wore pajamas, too. It was very strange. Is that normal human behavior? Perhaps a subculture of neighbor?"
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Post by indeath on Feb 5, 2023 18:43:06 GMT -6
August gave Una a massive grin. His eyes lighting up with joy and he gave her a thumbs up. He really felt a bond with Una and wanted to see her succeed in anything she tried.
“Absolutely no harm at all in tryin’ at a new skill. Ya got this Una von Luna! “
It was an attempt at a cute nickname. Una wasn’t exactly the easiest name to work with. It wasn’t awful for a first attempt but August would workshop it. His eyes became large and round as she told her story, he leaned in without thinking. He was so intrigued by this strange behavior. He didn’t even care if she’d made it up. It was so bizarre he didn’t think she could have.
“Lawdamimbo! That really is the darnedest thing! Were the first family mannequins too? Or was the lady some kinda weird stalker or just super lonely and the similarities were a coincidence… We gotta investigate this! That ain’t normal, Una! Not even a smidge. Ooh do ya think it’s a cult? A plaid pajama birthday cult. That could be a thing, right?”
August had a thought.
“Ya ain’t a big Twilight zone fan, right?
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Post by hadopelagic on Feb 12, 2023 1:50:07 GMT -6
"I adore the Twilight Zone television series," Una said, and then she scarfed down the last of her fish and started working more diligently on the fries. "It makes incredible use of allegorical storytelling."
She thought a moment. The mannequins and pajamas were very strange. Suppose August was right, and the lady was a weird cultist stalker? Or worse? This could be a real-life Twilight Zone allegory. Did that mean the family was in danger?
"Are you serious?" she asked. "Should we really investigate? I don't want the humans to get hurt by any mannequins."
Yes, whether August joined her or not, Una had a responsibility to return. Plus, she was insatiably curious about the meaning of the odd sight she'd witnessed.
"I remember where the houses were, but we'll need to walk, unless you have a car. It would be better to do a stakeout in a vehicle. We can park on the street and eat donuts. I mean. I can eat donuts, and you can drink bloodbags!"
After finishing the last delectable fry, she stood up and walked over to August's side of the table. With a smile, Una extended her hand in a human gesture that typically resulted in a handshake.
"What do you say?"
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