Homecoming

Sab rubbed Aroma's back and said, "Take deep breaths..."

"Aroma, its not a big deal," Noct said, "I'm bummed that I missed out, but you two are perfect for each other. I'm sorry I made things weird."

Taiyo: "That's..."

She shudders, remembering the dream. It had started out so nicely.

*Everyone nods*

Monu:<Probably just stress though.>
---
*Eve sighs*

<The main monster we fought against was a man made completely of shadow. He could appear pretty much anywhere, and could hurt you without touching you. The only thing that I saw to hurt it appeared to be a bolt of lighting.>

"Yeah, Monu's right," Hector said. "I'm pretty sure after an experience like that it's natural to have some bad dreams. It should pass as we get back into our lives."

*Euryale rubs Taiyo's back.*

E"I'm sure they're right, it'll pass in no time. More pizza."

*She goes in for another slice of meat lovers.*
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S"Ah. I've seen a few books on something similar, but they haven't been very informative...what do you mean 'main'?"

T"...There was another, one that did fly. It was all white, but it wasn't an owl. It had an apelike body, but thin, with small limbs, & sharp claws. That one was more feral, it attacked & killed a police officer."

S"A police officer did die in the forest, but the media says that he wrecked his car, & they haven't been able to find the body. They also say that he is the one who shot & killed the family of one of his comrades, recently."
=======================================
*Aroma does take deep breaths.*

"But...are you sure? I still feel guilty...and I don't want to uninvite anyone from dinner, but I don't want you to be all alone, either."

<That one was not as intelligent as the shadow man. It could easily out smart our group, especially when it came to making plans. It also did not attack when we were rescued, as a group of police officers disappearing would probably cause more searches.>
---
*Tirea grabs another piece of cheese*

<Let's all be happy! We're alive!>

Taiyo: "Right..."

Taiyo takes another slice of Hawaiian.

===================================

After sitting about for awhile the two leave.

*Azuma & Mimiru have stepped out to a momentary lull in the rain. They can see darker clouds coming in, so they know that something is building, & likely to be here in a couple of hours.*
================================
*Senthose is taking notes.*

S"Any other notable characteristics or abilities?"
================================
*As I don't expect anyone to have any better input any time soon, timeskip to almost all of the pizza being eaten, all that's left being a couple of slices of cheese. Euryale finishes her soda, leans back, & pats her stomach.*

E"Well, that was nice, but I don't think I could eat another bite."

*Eve nods*

<Where it approached me, my ears started to ring, and I was left unable to hear. It was also did something to our friend Euryale that medial officials claimed was from some kind of radon build up.>

*Eve stares at the ground for a second*

<And erased someone from history.>
---
*Tirea finishes her last plate of cheese*

Monu:<Thanks for coming guys!>

Cameron:<Yeah, nice to see you all again.>

Noct nodded, "I'm sure it's fine. You shouldn't feel guilty. It isn't your fault." She gave Sab a quick look and Sab blanched, "Oh, it's not your fault either. It's just life." Noct gave a small shrug, "Besides, I have Gabe." Sab looked shocked, "For dinner, I can eat dinner with her, I won't be alone!"

Not being a big eater, Taiyo possibly had the least of anyone and just leans on Euryale's shoulder.

Taiyo: "I think I'm ready for a nap."

===================================

Azuma: "Care to come back for that poetry reading?"

Mimiru: "You're on your own for that."

Azuma: "W'ever."

The two head back to the dorms.

"I'm thinking of heading home pretty soon, it looks like the rain is clearing up a bit," Hector said. "Wouldn't mind grabbing a beer or something, though..."
Astarte stared quietly at her empty bottle.

"I'll walk you back to the dorms, Taiyo."
===================================
"Umm...please don't be mad, but...it would be rude to invite you & Mortal, but not Gabe."
===================================
*Senthose looks up, appearing shocked for the first time.*

S"The news reports did talk about radiation injuries. And also a person who isn't on any historical records."

Taiyo: "Okay."

She doesn't make an effort to move as they're apparently not leaving right now.

Noct just kind of looked at Aroma for a second before saying, "Cheese ravioli you said?"

Sab nodded.

"I suppose I could come over... If you want."

"So, I think I'll be heading off," Hector said, standing up and reaching for his wallet. "I can pay for us if we all put in now."

E"I'll just put down some money."

*And so she does so.*
==========================
*Aroma makes an excited yelp, hugs Noctis for the briefest fraction of a second, then abruptly backs off.*

"Sorry...I probably just made that awkward. Wasn't really thinking...just really happy that you changed your mind."

Noct ran a hand through her hair, and let out an awkward chuckle, "Its fine."

"...Wait, so are we not getting the hot pockets?" Mortal asked.

Taiyo sits up and puts some money down on the table.

Hector shrugged a little and put down enough money for himself, Eduj and Astarte. Eduj and Hector left first and walked to a nearby liquor store. Astarte also got up to leave, checking her phone for messages first.

*Eve nodded*

<Yes. The shadow man got quite close to Euryale, which i assume caused whatever was classified as radiation. Stefan disappeared entirely, we assume the shadow man got him.>
---
*Tirea, Monu, and Cameron do the same*

*She doesn't have any, because no one cares about her. Euryale stands up & heads for the door.*

"See ya, Astarte. Hope you feel better soon."
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S"A shadow made of radiation...so, is that all?"
==================================
"Well, I don't know about that, but I have to get some more things, if we're going to be ready to eat tonight. Plus, I need to message Gabe yet. But again, I can't thank you enough for coming. Our friendship really means a lot to me."

<There were also floating lights in the forest that would lead you into trouble.>
---
*Tirea and Monu stand up, and head towards the door*

Tirea:<Bye guys, talk to you soon!>

*Cameron heads over to Astarte*

Cameron:<Um, hey.>

Taiyo: "Bye, everyone."

Taiyo follows beside Euryale, holding her hand.

"You too," Astarte said before turning to Cameron. "Yeah?"