There'll be trouble when the kidz come out

[lucetimods]

Who: All remaining draftees
What: Zombies! Zombies! Zombies!
When: The 29th to 31st
Where: Vaskoth
Summary: Please read here for event information
Rating: B for BRRAAAIIIINSSSS

On the 29th, the Malnosso announce over the radios that the power cap will be lifted to a full 100%. Carol broadcasts a message.

On the 30th, the Malnosso declare Vaskoth completely lost. Those with radio access will discover that the enclosure is to be bombed.

On the 31st, survivors will have one last chance to evacuate or try to find the cure. 3PM is do or die.

Comments

[selfhelp]

Since it started, yeah. This is the first time I've... been doing this, I guess.

[He shrugs awkwardly, mindful of her hand, and bows his head. Sure is doing a whole lot of nothing without magic. He knows he ought to fix that, but he just can't find the strength.]

[frost_jewel]

Well, as something to consider, you could help us here a little bit. Or go to the barracks, where most of the uninfected patients are - I'm sure they could use the hands. There's a lot you can do even without magic.

[She moves her hand to his arm, anyway.] But...don't do it if it will upset you more.

[selfhelp]

[He hunches down a little more, biting his lip. Yeah, he could... probably do that. Though he's iffy on getting involved with more injured people- seeing the kind of damage done to them, people who might even be friends, or...

...ugh. He's not sure he can handle that.]

Maybe... I could help with supplies and stuff. Getting them materials to work with...

[frost_jewel]

[It is hard to see your friends suffering.]

You could. And bothersome healers like me could always use someone reminding us to take breaks, too. It's more important than any of us like to think.

[selfhelp]

...Ha... I think I'd be good at that, assuming anyone would listen to me.

[Certain teammates of his have a tendency to ignore his excellent advice, but that's probably just because they're all stubborn kids.]

[frost_jewel]

They need to listen. All of us are already exhausted, and wearing ourselves down past our limits won't help.

[Mia rubs his arm a little. It might not sound like much at all, but to them it will be.]

[selfhelp]

[He nods hesitantly at that, lips pursing.]

So... that means you should be taking a break too, right? Are you okay?

[frost_jewel]

This is something of a break for me. [It was, anyway, until she saw Billy over here alone.] I'm tired, too. It's...hard. [Said that already, but it is no less true now.]

[selfhelp]

[Oh geez, now he feels guilty.]

Not much of a break when you're still looking after someone. You should go get some rest.

[frost_jewel]

[It feels like a break from the hopelessness of trying to help those who can only watch themselves waste away. Mia shakes her head forcefully, still trying to smile.]

I needed this. It has been more restful to talk to you than trying to sleep would be. [A sincere smile, this time.] Really.

[selfhelp]

...Really. [His echo is more of an affirmation, scuffing a hand awkwardly through his hair. He'll have to take her word for it, but... hrngh. Still feels kind of bad.] Well... as long as it helped, I guess.

[frost_jewel]

It may sound hard to believe. [It is true all the same. She looks more refreshed than she did when she found him.] I certainly hope you feel a little better too. [He's not crying anymore, but that doesn't mean he doesn't feel like it.]

[selfhelp]

[He's less stressed about himself, at least.]

Mm... a little better, thanks. I won't be able to relax until we're back in the village and safe again, but... I'm okay.

[frost_jewel]

[He may not be able to relax even then, and she reminds herself to find him again when this is all over. If they get out. A shiver runs through her at the thought.]

Why don't you come have something to eat and drink? There isn't much variety, but a lot of people are neglecting those things in the face of all of this.

[selfhelp]

[The prospect of eating more rations isn't that appealing to him, but there's a tightness in his stomach that's telling him that if he doesn't eat soon, it'll probably start growling.]

...Ah... you go on ahead. I should find Teddy, he'll probably be hungry too.

[frost_jewel]

[After another few moments, Mia does stand, offering a hand to help Billy up too. She wouldn't force him, but having him sit alone out here feels wrong.]

[selfhelp]

[He glances up at her hand, torn for a long moment, then finally reaches out and accepts her help, rising to his feet. He feels like he's probably not ready to get moving and go back to work, but... well, this helped. And finding Teddy, getting some food, resting a little- maybe then, he'll be good. But this helped.

So before he lets go, he gives her hand a light, appreciative squeeze. Thank you.]

[frost_jewel]

[Though she hasn't stopped smiling, really, it takes on an affectionate cast and she squeezes his hand back. You're welcome.]

Please stay safe.

[selfhelp]

Yeah, you too. [The smile is returned, ever-so-faintly, before he lets go and heads off to find his boyfriend.]