001. text; un: buffy

[gr8muppetyodin]

Okay, so, I just have to check something. Like, really check it. Because if this is real then hey -- totally on board and yay retirement! If not, someone just needs to burst my bubble now.

Is there really no graveyard? I don't want to know for morbid reasons. Totally professional ones. But, like, there isn't, right?

Comments

[gr8muppetyodin]

True, unless you know exactly what to expect. Also true, but hey, I'm willing to take your word. It's not that unusual where I'm from.

Really? Was it like that before... Is it rude to ask about life before?

[depressiveoptimist]

It isn't unusual? That's a first. I mean-really. Most people I know just know of the undead from films.

It's okay. And what--were my jokes better when I was alive? Is that what you're asking? I don't think death killed my sense of humor. Might have made it more morbid, though.

[gr8muppetyodin]

It's really not. In the interest of returning your trust, I'm a vampire slayer. Vamps, zombies, werewolves, demons, gods... seen it all. My town is pretty much monster party central.

Yeah, that's what I was trying to ask. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't being rude. Like I said, vampires and the like I'm used to talking to. Zombies not so much, so it's new. And I don't think anyone could blame you for that. Pretty sure mine would be too.

[depressiveoptimist]

[And her answer causes him to hesitate in answer. 'Vampire slayer' and 'Monster party' set off alarmbells for him. So when he does respond, there is something a bit more defensive in there--]

I don't know about the rest of those types, but I doubt any of them would like to be called a monster.

Where I come from, we aren't monsters.

Though the people who murder us claim we are.

[He knows everyone comes from a different world. But he's been hunted enough, and he's seen his best friends killed by humans who thought they were doing the right thing--but weren't.]

[gr8muppetyodin]

Oh god, I'm sorry I didn't mean-- I really should have said supernatural central. Trust me, I know not all supernatural people are bad. I mean, my first love was a vampire. My best friend is a witch who dated a werewolf. My sister is a freaking magical ball of light. I know there's good and bad.

My job is protecting the good as well as the world.

Foot meet mouth.

[ Good one, Buffy. She really was kicking herself for a poor choice of words. But there was no other way to put her job as the Chosen One. Chosen always needed explaining. ]

[depressiveoptimist]

[Kieren doesn't reply for a while. He does, finally, and he seems calmer.]

I probably shouldn't have gotten so defensive but--things are bad for us back home. I've lost a lot of friends just for existing.

I know places are different, and--it's easier in person, sometimes. I'm not always the best on text.

[gr8muppetyodin]

Don't I know it. And it's not always appropriate to use emojis. Plus I'm still kinda figuring those out.

I'm sorry you've lost people. I really am. It's not fair if you're being attacked merely for, well, being.

[depressiveoptimist]

I didn't own a cellphone before coming to places like this. Just used normal land lines and payphones.

At least you understand that; I mean, a lot of people do, here. But it's different back home. I understand, being scared...but fear makes people do horrible things.

[gr8muppetyodin]

At least I'm not the only one technologically behind, although I did used to have a cellphone. Just not like these ones. They're so pretty.

Looks like this place knows how to pick the good people then. And yes, it really, really does. Fear is complicated. Not everyone acts the best when under the pressure of it. But you're safe here, right?

[depressiveoptimist]

We just couldn't really afford them, but no one in my town had them. I mean, my computer was ages old, too.

No they don't.

But I am; but really, even if I wasn't safe, I'd be here--what I'm here for matters more than my safety, I think.

My sister would probably disagree, but she isn't here.

[gr8muppetyodin]

Yeah, see, now that I'm here I feel like everything I had was ages old even if it was super new to me.

Hey, I get it. To be honest, I was going to be anywhere but home no matter what happened. I guess I'm just glad I ended up somewhere not really full of angels singing and harps, or y'know, the other place.

That's what sisters are for, aren't they? I only just got one and I already learned that lesson.

[depressiveoptimist]

I don't know, the angels stuff always sounded annoying. At least Hell might be...interesting?

I mean, a bad interesting, but better than boring, right?

[A bad joke.]

Yeah. Is yours older or younger?

Mine's...technically younger, but since she age and I don't, she's older than me now. So an older younger sister.

[gr8muppetyodin]

There's no guarantee that's what heaven is like. I mean, I'm not exactly keen on gaining some wings and a harp either.

[ She takes a beat as she re-reads the hell thing. Making sure it's a joke this time. ]

Nothing says fun like a red hot poker in uncomfortable places.

Well, mine's kinda complicated in the age department too. She used to be a super old magical ball of light... now she's just a kid, so younger? These monks gave her to me... Gave me the memories too. It's messed up, but she's family now.

Does that make you sad?

[depressiveoptimist]

There is no guarantee that it even exists really--any of it. I mean...before I rose, there wasn't anything. Just...nothingness. Don't think that's a good sign.

[Not that he's trying to bring things down, but.]

Some people find that fun--not me, though. Just putting that out there.

...wait your sister-she's not your real sister? I mean, biological?

It's...yeah. It does. Only because she's had to deal with a lot without me, while I was not myself. Things that I should have been there to help her with.