we beta-tested this dad

[bloodyashes]

[Airlocked may be over and its producer behind bars... But that doesn't mean that the technology for taking people from their worlds is gone, or that all of IG7's sponsors have given up on replicating its popularity. The fact that the intergalactic police now have to have a taskforce specifically to prevent copycats speaks well enough to that. Some are looking for fame, some are the filthy rich and immoral looking for their own entertainment, but either way, it's happened a good handful of times.

At least this one they caught before it could get into full swing. And, naturally, when it comes to extraction from such situations, the taskforce calls in the experts.

(The added potential firepower doesn't hurt, either.)

There's only a few of the stasis pods filled yet - not enough even for a full 'season' - and the police have gotten most of them, if not squared away, calmed down to the point that they'll accept aid.

Except for one young man - a boy, really, in his late teens with long red hair spilling over his shoulders - with a set to his brows that says he's going to fight anything that tries to get close, and a shimmering light, sometimes gold, sometimes violet, that clings to him like a second skin. None of the police he glares at suspiciously are quite willing to get close to him, not when they don't know what he can do, not when there's only two walls between where they are and the vacuum of space.

Good thing the captain's smart enough to call for more magically-oriented backup, right?]

Comments

[burninglight]

[Ardyn reached out slightly, as if not sure whether to put a hand on Asch's shoulder or stay where he was.]

I'm...sorry.

[bloodyashes]

[It's invitation enough. Asch slides across the floor to lean into his side, instead, going well beyond the simple hand on shoulder.]

There was a while when he was... Not human, not like this, but it was less and he could think. Kept telling us all to leave before the monster came back.

[burninglight]

...that does sound like something I'd say.

<small.[A little hesitantly, he put an arm around Asch's shoulders.]

[bloodyashes]

We were pretty stubborn about staying anyway.

[The little tensions in his shoulders start to fade away, and while he doesn't sigh contentedly, there's definitely something of that feeling about him. Safe.]

Don't let them... Wherever they're sending us. I don't want to go.

[burninglight]

Relax—no one’s going to hurt you. If you don’t have anywhere to go back to, I’ll find somewhere for you.

[bloodyashes]

...I want to stay.

[burninglight]

...Hell of a place to stay, if you mean here specifically.

[bloodyashes]

What - Hell no, don't be stupid.

[Congrats, Ardyn, you made him emote back around to being Grumpy.]

[burninglight]

Just kidding.

[bloodyashes]

[Teenager ugh and aggressive elbowing. He's surprisingly, almost supernaturally, strong under all those clothes.]

[burninglight]

Well, it'll be a lot to explain, but I think we've the room to bear one more.

[bloodyashes]

More than a lot. I know.

[And no promises that he'll be especially good at people, either, because as Ardyn can probably guess, he's not the most socially adjusted teen around.]

But I'm not going to be a burden.

[It's not quite 'thank you,' but it's not not thank you, too.]

[burninglight]

The others are used to me adopting strays; it's rather how we all came together in the first place. I don't think it'll be a difficult concept to accept.

[bloodyashes]

Somehow that doesn't surprise me. You seem to attract a certain kind of person.

[burninglight]

Troublesome and lacking in other options?

[bloodyashes]

Also 'reckless' and 'well-meaning but arguably lacking in good sense.'

[burninglight]

...my, you really do know me.

[bloodyashes]

If I was describing you, I'd have to include "deeply enamored of large flightless birds."

[He's teasing. Mostly.]

[burninglight]

Oh, good, then you'll be prepared for the chocobo ranch.

[bloodyashes]

[... He just tilts his head back to stare at the ceiling.]

Of course. Why should I be surprised.

[burninglight]

Oh, come on. It's a nice place, you might just like it.

[bloodyashes]

Well, as long as it's not boring.

[burninglight]

Never. Stars forbid I should ever let things get boring.

[bloodyashes]

Good. I don't know what to do with too much downtime.

[There's a faint lack-of-frown there that almost passes for a smile.]

Except maybe take over a kitchen for a couple hours.

[burninglight]

I think you'll fit right in, in that case.