vatheon | 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.))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

We got all our stuff on the first trip, then I helped a lot of other people carry their stuff too. Everyone should have sylladexes, it makes things like this a lot easier!

[He grins a bit, obviously trying to pay Darkleer a compliment considering it was his ~~uncle~~ older friend who'd made his.]

There's not many personal things left down here, not really. I more meant do you want me to help get food or maybe blankets or clothes or anything like that?

I agree. I'll see what I can do after this is all over.

[Whoops, taking it as a suggestion instead of a compliment!]

I've gotten most of the perishable food up to the surface already- there's a young man up there cooking for us all, I thought it best to let him handle it. Perhaps if you could raid the buildings near the elevator for anything useful?

It will be a long task, and better to stay near our only means of escape.

[Also if anything goes wrong, Sola will be able to get out quicker.]

[He sees what you're doing there buddy.]

Darkleer, I'm fine. I lived in a temple full of water before this and the tunic makes it so I can breathe just fine, and I can kinda meld with it anyway.

[Good luck figuring out what that means.]

There's a bunch of big warehouses in the lower district. There might be canned food down there and other stuff that we can use on the island to live for awhile, since we don't know when or if they're even going to fix the bubble.

[That conversation between Thalassino and the head nurse didn't sound promising at all.]

I'm gonna go down there and grab what I find since I think all the people are out. I'll send you a message if I find a lot, then you can send a robot or two.

[Little does he know there's just mountains of kazoos in those warehouses, but it's a good thought.]

If the bubble breaks, there will be more to worry about than simply drowning. Listen, I have barriers around some of the food stores. I plan on sending Dualscar down later. I'll be sure to tell him about the warehouses as well.

We're taking enough risks staying down here when the bubble could break apart at any moment.

[Sola's eyes narrow a bit and his shoulders pinch, taking Darkleer's words as a brush off, as a dismissal when Sola knows he can do this. He can help. Why does nobody want him to?!]

I'm not weak, you know.

I know you aren't, Sola.

Then how come you and everyone else treats me like I am?! Only Zelda gave me anything to actually do, everyone else said to go back up on the island and 'be safe'! I've been fighting and surviving my whole life, I don't need to be told to 'stay safe' all the time!

[It's just so frustrating!]

[He sighs, adjusting his glasses.]

Sola, I didn't tell you to go up to the island- I told you to go through the buildings near the elevator. Do I want you to be cautious? Of course. The coral isn't doing its job in regards to the barrier, and the Head Nurse seems perfectly fine with abandoning her project- I don't know if any of us could come back to life if we drowned or were crushed by the pressure or got slammed against something by the waves and were fatally injured.

I have no doubt that you are a capable young man. However, I'm worried and I don't want to know my actions hurt you in case the worst happens.

No but you're more worried about my safety than help in getting everyone what they need on the island and that's not fair. I'm just tired of everyone treating me like I can't do things and like I'm not careful on my own. Zelda's the only one who even gave me a job to do.

[He pauses to mull over again what Darkleer's said.]

...you're right about the coral though. I'll stay by the elevator, but in that case you should too. It's a double st... double...

...

That thing where one person gets to do something and another person doesn't but there's no reason for the difference.

[Double standard is what he's looking for.]

Of course I'm more worried about you and others, Sola, even though I know you're perfectly capable. All of the things we are getting are useless if something happens to you, or Equius, or Nepeta. I know they're more than capable too, but I'd rather put myself in danger than you all. It's rather selfish, but it is how I feel.

[A slight nod.]

Double standard. And alright, I'll come closer, then.

Well it's kind of useless if something happens to you too.

[He can appreciate that Darkleer cares though. It softens his expression considerably.]

We feel that way about you too, just remember that. Thanks, Darkleer.

Just as long as you remember that we're not telling you to be careful because we don't believe in you.

Stay safe.

You too.

[He's just gonna turn wildly red before turning off the feed here...

Gosh Darkleer.]

All bubbles pop eventually

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