vatheon | All bubbles pop eventually

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All bubbles pop eventually

Yesterday was a day of celebration. For once, it seemed that the foreigners were able to affect the coral, and in a positive way at that. The coral lit back up, the barrier strengthened, and everything looked like it was back to normal again.

Unfortunately, it doesn't last.

Overnight the coral begins to dim again, flickering wildly along with the bubble itself. Those who stayed up on the island might notice the strange lights coming up through the waves if they're awake. The ones who stayed in the bubble will notice more than that. The atmosphere is tense, and every now and then there's an echoing crack, like a massive piece of glass is slowly losing its integrity.

By the time the morning arrives, the crack in the bubble is evident. After hours of threatening it, the crack finally falls open with a thundering snap, allowing the ocean to rush in. It hasn't yet given up entirely, but there's a steady stream of water pouring in to the plaza and on to the coral. The waterfall would be a pretty sight if not for the situation.

Hopefully no one stayed down there that long.

((OOC: The bubble has cracked! Feel free to use this post as a mingle log if desired. The elevator is still functioning, so anyone down in the bubble will have some time to escape.))

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[Very politely, the robot crouches down and picks up the spatula to put to the side somewhere. With that done, it opens up its chest cavity to reveal what look like capcthalogue cards- those weird things most of the trolls use to store items. A light tap, and food pops out- perishable things like meat and breads.]

[They weren't going to do anyone good at the bottom of the ocean, so they may as well use them up. Rin got attention with all the cooking he's been doing.]

... oh.

[Wow, okay, he seriously hadn't been expecting that, but awesome. He's sort of unofficially in charge of keeping people fed anyway so that was likely the best place to keep things of this nature.

He lights up a bit, after a pause, and takes the food to tuck away in to some plastic bins and ice chests that others had managed to get up to the island for just this sort of thing.]

Thanks!

[It just gives a little bow of its head. After Rin is done putting things away, it writes something in the sand.]

How long? [A gesture to the little area Rin has set up.]

How long?

[Rin tilts his head at that. It could mean 'until the food is ready?' but he doesn't want to assume.]

Gonna have to be more specific there, big guy.

[But it has such big fingers! There is only so much nearby sand.]

will you cook [It adds.]

[He wasn't asking for a novel! That response is just fine.]

Oh uh. I guess as long as we need it? I'unno how long we're gonna be stuck up here like this...

[Wipe wipe wipe! Then back to writing.]

Tonight?

Uhm. Yeah, sure. I don't see why I can't.

[Another little thankful nod, and then the robot goes lumbering off back to its other duties.]

[SOME TIME LATER- a considerable amount of time, as a matter of fact, when most of the foreigners are now out of the city and filling the island, a certain tall troll quietly makes his way through. Salt water still sticks to his hair and face, but he's at least taken off the zora tunic for something cleaner. Even though he's wearing his glasses to help keep his expression blank, he still seems a bit tired as he curiously peeks in on Rin's recent kitchen.]

[Rin watches it leave, giving a still-confused little wave as it goes. That was... interesting.

But later in the evening brings about another general meal time, and while he granted himself at least a little break between "lunch" and "dinner" he's right back at it again, prepping food quietly. It's his way of helping, after all, when he knows heroics on his part might just make things worse or fail completely. For once his pride has been swallowed both by the heaviness of the entire situation and what Kid did, and it's what allows him even that much clarity.

Shame it took something this catastrophic to bring that reasoning about, though. He's trying hard not to think too much on it, but one might notice the serious pull to his lips and the fact that it's worry and guilt, not concentration, that furrows his brow.

As such he's wrapped up in his work again, and doesn't notice his newest visitor.]

[Darkleer is easy to miss anyway, despite being taller than most of the foreigners and built like a tank. Just- something that makes people's eyes glaze over him like he isn't there. So he simply slips to the side and waits for a moment until it looks like Rin doesn't have any sharp objects near his fingers.]

I hope it won't be any trouble to add one more meal to the list.

Hm?

[This time, at least, he wasn't startled. He's busied himself with something requiring a metal bowl and a whisk, so for the moment there's no sharp objects in hand that would result in injury even if he had been.]

Oh, no, not at all.

Thank you. If you have the supplies, something with no meat would be appreciated.

[A dry smile.]

I normally cook for myself, but it's been a long day.

Yeah, I can totally do that!

[Thankfully living with Kid these past six months has done wonders for Rin's vegetarian repertoire.]

Heh, I bet...

[He smiles, though it's a tad hollow, in comparison to how he normally acts anyway.]

I woulda been helpin' with that, but after what happened to Kid--...

[He couldn't put his friends through that kind of stress again by running off to play hero.]

But hey, 'least there's this, right? Some one's gotta feed the people actually doin' somethin'.

I wouldn't be hard on yourself.

[With a sigh, he settles down on the ground, hands clasped together as he waits.]

Sometimes, you don't need to involve yourself in a situation, or if you do, it isn't always the way you think. Everyone who ran down back into the city to help others did important roles, that much is certain. However, without cooks and builders and healers, what would they have to come back to?

So yes. There's at least this, and I would say that it is an important role. Staying with your friends is an even greater one.

[That earns a hesitation from Rin as he goes to reach for something, blinking a few times before he admits quietly:]

Didn't really think of it like that...

[He resumes his work, but continues to talk as he does so.]

I'm just used to bein' the one to run off and do something stupid to try and save people. This time though... ain't much a demon can do. I can't heal like my friend Kohaku or do prayers like my dad. Kid was the one who damn near killed himself tryin' to recharge the coral and I got stuck watchin'.

When I started cookin' I was just lookin' for somethin' to do to keep my mind off of what happened, but everyone's been real grateful for it.

Hm. As someone very old and who is from a culture based heavily on combat, I can tell you that running into the first big scene isn't all it's cracked up to be. I suppose that when one is younger, it seems like the most important role to have. I think it detracts from things, however.

You are providing something steady and familiar to people, and that is worth quite a bit in a time of crisis.

I do it 'cause I'm the one that can take the hits. I wanna protect my friends, y'know?

[And he probably still will, even after this, but...]

But... I'm startin' to see that I make 'em worry a lot when I do that. Even if I'm gonna come out alright on the other side of it... I mean Kid's a damn reaper and I was still freakin' out when he fell over 'cause I couldn't stop thinkin' "what if he's wrong and he doesn't come back from this?".

I know I'm doin' something good, but still... it's weird not to be in there with everyone else...

[Weird and unsettling, even.]

This is one of the few times you've held yourself back, isn't it?

[Darkleer shrugs.]

That can account for some of the strangeness. It goes against your habits. If you keep it up, soon it will feel more natural.

[There's no verbal answer, but Rin does nod, his gaze shifting away as he does so.]

But I'm trainin' to be an exorcist back home. We're supposed to help people.

Are you not helping people now?

W... well yeah, but that's different!

Because you're not throwing yourself headfirst into explicitly dangerous situations?

No--! ... well, yeah, but bein' an exorcist Knight is about protectin' people and dealin' with demons and shit.

Can an exorcist knight stop an earthquake?

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