Month: February 2022

Profile: Amanda Finn

~ EJ ~ Leave a comment

Personal Data

Amanda in Baydew’s Avatar Maker

Name: Amanda Finn
Gender: Transgender Female
Pronouns: She/her
Age: 16
Birthday: April 1st
Ethnicity: White
Nationality: American
Species: Chimera (Sugar Glider)
Sexuality: Straight

Family: Amanda was raised by a single father and had an elder brother. She doesn’t remember them well.

Strengths: Flexible. Good at lying. Very strong powers. Able to act sociable and friendly.
Weaknesses: Fake. Unable to open up and connect. Fears acting like her true self.

Appearance and Style: Amanda is tall and rather androgynous-looking. She has long, wavy brown hair that reaches her lower back. She has the facial markings of a sugar glider around her eyes. She has sugar glider flaps that connect her arms to her sides all the way down to her hips and to accommodate this she always wears t-shirts with the sides cut out. She has patches of short fur all over her body but especially on her arms and torso. She has a lot of scars on her arms and torso and a few on her chin. She’s quite scrawny. Her teeth are a little yellow and crooked and she is missing one near the front. Her skin is quite pale. Along with her altered t-shirts she usually wears shorts or skirts only very occasionally wearing pants. She has a Syndicate ‘S’ branded on her left inner thigh.

Superhero Data

Supranym: Gravity Girl
Status: Alive. Active.

Metahuman Type: Chimera, Mutant
Abilities: Can control gravity over small areas. Pretends she can only decrease gravity but can increase it as well.

Ravenhold Data

Acceptance to Ravenhold: Recommendation by Minotaur

Class: Four
Power Category: Controller
Roommate: Luciana

Backstory

Amanda doesn’t remember life before the Syndicate took her very well. Vaguely she remembers a father, an elder brother but she couldn’t fully recall their faces let alone their names. She doesn’t care though. Because she does know that that father of hers sold her to the Syndicate.

As with all young children they acquire, the Syndicate chimerized her. She had turned out cute enough that they actually attempted to use send her to the underground chimera brothels but when ‘customer’ attempted to rape her she manifested her powers, crushing his skull. It was then that the Syndicate decided that she was better suited in the fighting rings.

At first she struggled to survive but eventually she learned a trick…

Act pathetic. Act cute. Act lovable. Act weak. And then strike when their guard is down. Years passed and she got better and better at her act and stronger and stronger with her powers. Those in charge of the fighting ring caught onto her act, they worked with her to create drama and excitement. Having her throw some fights, letting her meet her opponents beforehand and manipulate them further, and other similar things.

She got used to her life. She began to enjoy the fights, enjoy the treachery. Until… Minotaur and some other heroes busted the fighting ring and freed her from the Syndicate. Now she must learn to not treat life as a battlefield.

Misc Information

  • Amanda does not remember her deadname.
  • She also does not remember if ‘Finn’ is her real surname, it just felt right.
  • Amanda likes sweets a lot.
  • Amanda’s favorite color is pink but she thinks the cuteness is too heavy handed and ruins the affect of her act.
  • Amanda has a pretty singing voice.
  • Amanda would get gifts for cooperating with the organizers and for winning fights.
  • She usually asked for things like sweets or books that she used to teach herself to read.
  • One time, when she was first offered a ‘gift’ she asked for a pink teddy bear. She still has it.
  • His name is Strawberry Pie.

Arrival: Chapter 1.3 (Sirius)

~ EJ ~ 2 Comments

Sirius sat in the back of a cop car. He couldn’t remember how many times he’d been in one, this was maybe the tenth time he sat there? Didn’t matter. The car pulled up to JFK International and a bus hangar. 

The officer opened his car and he shuffled out of there, he was taken out of handcuffs, but the inhibitor collar around his neck itched. Sirius idly scratched at it, “Take it off?”

“We don’t have the key, the school will open it.”

“Fucking great,” he huffed. 

At least he could stretch his arms now. Wearing an inhibitor was worse than most realized, it wasn’t just your that powers were gone, it was this constant dizzying droning at the back of your mind, a constant noise that wouldn’t fade into the background.

Sirius rolled his shoulders and cracked his knuckles before grabbing his backpack from the trunk and opening the side pocket, taking out a lighter and some cigs, only for the officer to snatch it out of his hands.

“That’s illegal, now get in line.”

Sirius called him a few nasty words under his breath but followed along, still giving him the finger for good measure. Quickly he noticed everyone boarding his bus was wearing a collar like him. 

When the piggy wasn’t looking he pulled out his emergency stash from the waistband of his boxers. He lit up and let the sweet smoke of tobacco fill his lungs. 

He took a few puffs before squashing it on the side of the bus, slipping past the driver without issue.

He walked through the aisles until he saw a pretty redheaded girl, she was built strong not like a dainty little girl, just his type, but strangely she wore a pair of cowboy boots and a matching hat. The girl fiddled with a big metal case.

“Hey Red,” Sirius said, sliding into the seat next to her with a smirk.

The girl barely looked up. “Don’t suppose you have a bobby pin or a screwdriver?” She spoke with a strong southern drawl.

Sirius blinked confusedly at the question but pulled a bobby pin out of his messy black waves out and passed it along. The girl reached for it but Sirius held it up and out of reach. 

“What’ll you give me in return?” He teased.

The girl finally decided to look at him, her hazelnut eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Depends, what’d you like?”

He tapped the bobby pin against his lips, grinning a little cockily. He expected her to argue, be embarrassed, anything but instead, the girl reached out, dropped a quick peck on his lips, and snatched the bobby pin.

“Done deal.”

“So quick I feel cheated,” Sirius joked, he liked this girl already, she was impulsive, a little weird, but bold. 

“Well, darlin’ should’ve negotiated better.” She took the bobby pin and started jamming it into the keyhole of the big metal box she held.

Sirius put his hands behind his head and raised his legs up onto the seat in front of him, his waist bent at what should have been an uncomfortable angle but was just fine to him. 

“Well, it wouldn’t have even been worth a kiss if I didn’t sell it now. You’ll be able to get those from anybody once we get there. What’s in the box anyways?”

“My babies,” she answered cryptically, “this is a lot harder with that stupid collar on.”

Sirius stared at the box. Babies? In a locked box? Some kinda contraband? But what contraband would they give back to her at school?

She drew him out of his pondering, “Now, you got a name darling?”

“Sirius,” he said, looking away from the box and trying not to act as curious as he was.

“The name’s Penelope, everyone calls me Penny,” 

She kept fiddling with the lock for a moment until it finally gave out and the case opened. Inside were not one but two gold engraved revolvers; one black one white, and old-timey revolvers too, the type you would have seen in a western. 

“Come to Mama!” Penny said, hugging the things.

Sirius’s eyes widened a bit at the sight, “Knew you were my kinda girl but now I’m a bit nervous, who’d you shoot with those?”

“Just some gangbangers,” Penny said, eyes fixed on her so-called babies “My ammo’s all degraded from a few weeks in jail, how did you get here?”

“Like setting things on fire too much.” Not the whole truth but close enough.

“Random things, or important things?”

For a second he thought of them and his mouth went dry…Penny was looking, expecting an answer. 

“A bit of both… mostly random.” He shrugged, looking away.

“Set fire to anyone?” Penny asked, her tone so casual.

Sirius paused before answering, his heart constricting, “a few times.”

“Well, I’m sure they ought to have deserved it,” She said, “You ain’t got the look of no psycho killer.” She took out a tissue and cleaned her guns.

“… yeah.” Was all he could answer, in a soft voice.

“You okay, Darling?”

He did his best fake smile, “Yeah, say did ya kill the gangbangers or just shoot ’em?”

“Well the bible says a lot about killing being wrong, but it don’t say much about shooting kneecaps and giving concussions,” Penny answered.

“You’re not wrong.” Sirius laughed. 

“Are you a Christian?”

 “Never been much of a church goer and I go a bit back and forth on believing.”

“Righty, then. So, how’d you get caught? Not sure if you noticed but this whole bus full of us collared folks.”

“You first,” Sirius answered

“Surrendered myself,” Penny said, “Doled out some good ol’ vengeance old testament style, then called the police.” 

“Vengeance? What’d they do?”

“Shot my best friend, wasn’t even the target, just collateral damage in a drive-by.” Penny’s words had turned harsher, the playful twang in her tone gone. 

“Is your friend…”

“Paralyzed.”  Penny’s expression remained frozen still.

“Sounds like they got off easy then.”

“Wasn’t my right to take their life.”

“Well, if ya ever think they deserve a few third-degree burns let me know.”

Penny smirked a little at the offer. “They did get in trouble for all them illegal guns and drugs, turns out a vigilante attack grants the cops one hell of a probable cause to not need a warrant.”

Sirius snorted. “Sounds about right.”

“That got them doing something,” she said bitterly.

Sirius leaned back again. “You plan on being a hero? You seem to have a good sense of justice from where I’m sitting”

“Wasn’t, it all seems too much micromanagement but I reckon it is better than juvie hall.” 

“Bet that’s what most people in here are thinking”

 “Is it what you’re thinking, darling?”

“Not sure. Could be fun to burn things in the name of justice.”

“I bet that’d look good in the news, but then again you don’t be hearing much about gunslinging heroes, guns being for criminals, and all that liberal nonsense”

Sirius frowned, “You’re not going to turn out to be ‘Jesus hates fags’ type of Christians on me are you?”

“Darling, I am one hell of a dyke,” Penny says, “Conservatives want small government except when it comes to what I do in my bedroom and with whom.”

“Good cause if you were I was going to have to regale you with the tales of every dick I’ve had up my ass.”

Penny snorted, “Well then, you did want a kiss, but I do have to inform you I ain’t come equipped with one of them dicks.”

Sirius leaned in, “Some of the dicks have been pink, vibrating, and attached to girls which I’m sure would have lots of conservative homophobes clutching their pearls too.”

“Oh my,” Penny said, “Well, I’m afraid I ain’t got the chance to pack one of  them in my bags but do I reckon I could get myself one of them if I had to.”

Sirius winked; “I’ve been told I’m quite good at cunnilingus too,” he opened his mouth and stuck his tongue out.

“Have you?” Penny said, leaning closer, “Now what do I reckon I would find down in these?” Penny’s hand shifted over to his pants.

“Wanna find out?” Sirius whispered with a grin.

“In here?” Penny exaggerated a little surprised expression, “Into public exhibition, are we darling?”

“It’s hardly even public, the bus is only half full.”

“Is it now?” Penny shifted her hand to his zipper.

Sirius jerked away, but moved his upper body, kissing Penny’s neck. 

Penny shivered gently, “So maybe feeling it a tad too public?” she gently teased, “I do suppose you can get a feel for now,”

To his surprise, she popped open a button on her shirt and led in hand in, which he allowed her to. He felt the contour of her breasts and the bra she’d chosen to wear. She leaned in and kissed him.

She then put a hand on his chest and pushed him back. “The rest, for later,” she winked.

“Have to hold you to that.”

“You better,” she said with a grin.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

Profile: Eli Pepper

~ EJ ~ Leave a comment

Personal Data

Eli in Carrotkake’s Avatar Maker

Name: Eli Pepper
Gender: Non-binary
Pronouns: They/them
Age: 16
Birthday: January 3rd
Ethnicity: White
Nationality: American
Species: Human
Sexuality: Bisexual

Family: Eli is the only child of two loving and supportive parents. Their father makes custom furniture and their mom deals with the customers. Eli’s father’s shop is fairly popular so the family is financially very stable.

Strengths: Extremely talented with handicrafts. Open-minded. Accepting. Determined. Patient.
Weaknesses: Anxious. Easily embarrassed. Easily injured in their small form. Low control over their powers. Occasional low self-esteem.

Appearance and Style: Eli is an androgynous, white teenager. They have short mousy brown hair with a slight wave and freckles. They are slender but not skinny, still having baby fat in some places. Their height fluctuates due to their powers but is generally under 5’4. They pick at their nails so their nail beds are often torn up. They mostly wear jeans with sweaters, t-shirts, or hoodies and typically stick to neutral or cool colors. Their clothes are both simpler and more varied when they are in their handmade clothes for their smaller sizes. Usually it is simple shirts, pants, or dresses made of fun fabric prints Eli has found at craft stores.

Superhero Data

Supranym: Shrinking Violet
Status: Alive. Active.

Metahuman Type: Mutant
Abilities: They can shrink as small as 6 inches. In the future they may learn to gain size instead.

Ravenhold Data

Acceptance to Ravenhold: Application

Class: Four
Power Category: Miscellaneous
Roommate: Frederika

Backstory

Eli was born in Ohio and lived there their entire life. And it has been an extremely normal life. They were born to a loving couple that had struggled with infertility in the past and only managed to have Eli in their early thirties after trying for a decade. They deeply treasure this one child they managed to have and spoiled them a bit, but being good, kind, and open-minded people themselves they raised Eli into a good kid.

Eli got their powers around 8 years ago when they had a panic attack during a school play. They shrunk into their costume disappearing before the eyes of half their hometown. Their anxiety has only gotten worse since and, especially after coming out as non-binary when they were 10, they were heavily bullied. Eli’s shrinking was “too disruptive” in class and so by the time they were 11 they were pulled out of school to be home-schooled.

Eli decided to apply for Ravenhold when they realized they were starting to approach adulthood and still couldn’t properly function in society. They wanted to attend with the main goal being to learn to control their powers, though the more they thought about the more they started to fantasize about becoming a hero. But they gotta learn how to stop shrinking whenever someone besides their parents talks to them first!

Misc Information

  • Eli’s favorite colors are purple and gray
  • Shortly after they first got their powers and were diagnosed with anxiety they got an emotional support cat
  • The cat is a Maine Coon name Angel
  • Angel is a very patient, tolerant and sweet kitty.
  • Angel has both consciously and unconsciously learned many tasks to assist Eli when they are shrunken.
  • Eli sews clothes for their miniature self and has also made a dollhouse full of furniture that they sometimes hide away in when tiny.
  • Eli learned to sew after starting home-schooling; their mother wanted to teach them life skills and sewing was the one they took to most easily.
  • However, Eli did not take to cooking easily and is a clumsy disaster in the kitchen
  • Eli is very close to their parents and their parents are loving and affectionate both to each other and to Eli
  • Eli was raised Catholic but their family left their church when the pastor went on a transphobic rant shortly after Eli came out.
  • Eli has helped their dad in his shop since they started home-schooling.
  • Eli often carves little wooden animals that are really popular with the kids that come to the store.
  • After seeing the dollhouse Eli made for themself on Instagram many people wanted to commission them to make one, prompting Eli to turn off their Instagram dms for the foreseeable future.

Profile: Riley Michaelson

~ EJ ~ Leave a comment

Personal Data

Riley in Girl Maker by Ummmmandy

Name: Riley Michaelson
Gender: Non-binary
Pronouns: They/them
Age: 14
Birthday: February 29th
Ethnicity: Black
Nationality: British
Species: Human
Sexuality: Pansexual

Family: Orphan. Bounced from foster home to foster home without staying long.

Strengths: Very mobile. Can fight both up close and distant. Can escape easily. Quick-thinker. Sympathetic. Empathic. Soft-hearted. Generous.
Weaknesses: Buries feelings. Desperate for control. Low self-esteem. Bulimic

Appearance and Style: An androgynous black kid. Riley is tall for their age, over 6 feet tall, and quite scrawny. Their hair is dyed pastel pink and has long natural curls that fall down past their shoulders. Brown eyes. Their clothing style is colorful, layered, eclectic, and mostly handmade. Also a tad loose and baggy, covering up their scrawniness. They wear a lot of cute little accessories like wearing a lot of hair clips or wearing band-aids and stickers on their face. They have slightly yellow and crooked teeth, with a little gap between the two front teeth.

Superhero Data

Supranym: Eclipse
Status: Alive. Active

Metahuman Type: Magic
Abilities: Can create portals to “Hell”. Using the portals to teleport. Using the portals to store items. Summoning and semi-controlling demons.

Ravenhold Data

Acceptance to Ravenhold: Recommendation by Tohu-wa-Bohu

Class: One
Power Category: Teleporter
Roommate: Axel

Backstory

Riley doesn’t know anything about their birth family. When they were very young they ran off in the middle of the night to avoid a fight between their foster father and his son that was getting close to violence and ended up coming across a strange being made of light that was chasing down a little shadowy creature. They threw themselves in front of the shadowy creature and yelled at the being made of light for bullying it. When the light creature paused, they picked up the shadowy creature and ran. The shadowy creature ended up being a small-time demon that made a pact with Riley. Riley named him Teddy. From then on, the weird Riley became even weirder. Many foster families thought they were crazy and Riley found it to be hard to fit in with anyone around them. They didn’t stay in any foster homes for very long.

Riley’s powers began to get stronger and they continually practiced using them until they caught the eye of Tohu-wa-Bohu who took Riley under his wing. He helped them understand their powers a bit better and expand what they could do. Eventually he recommended Riley to Ravenhold Academy, glad to get the energetic kid out of his hair and somewhere they could hopefully thrive.

Misc Information

  • Riley makes or modifies nearly everything they wear
  • They started with sewing and recently began knitting
  • Their familiar, Teddy, looks like some sort of cross between a monkey and a hairless cat
  • The being made of light that Riley rescued Teddy from is an ‘Angel’. The angel had a severe identity crisis after being called a bully by a pure-hearted child.
  • Riley adores anything macabre and ‘misunderstood’
  • They love to bake and constantly keep tupperware full of cookies and brownies inside ‘Hell’
  • No matter how many times Tohu-wa-Bohu attempts to explain that it isn’t ‘Hell’ and instead ‘the Netherworld’ Riley refuses to change how they describe their powers.
  • Aside from Teddy, Riley has also befriended a whole pack of hellhounds. Their names are; Butterscotch, Almond, Meringue, Fudge, Cocoa, Caramel, Custard, Licorice, Taffy, Nougat, Gumdrop, and Peanut.
  • Butterscotch is the biggest and strongest of the group. Gumdrop and Peanut are the babies/runts.
  • Riley claims to have no favorites (Peanut is their favorite)

Profile: Luciana Gonzales-Alvarez

~ Nerathul ~ Leave a comment

Personal Data

Luci and Mr. K by Angelo Lyttle

Name: Luciana Gonzales-Alvarez
Gender: Cisgender Female
Pronouns: She / Her
Age: 13 years old
Birthday: January 19th
Ethnicity: Latina (Cuban)
Nationality: American
Species: Human
Sexuality: Questioning

Family: Luciana is the youngest of four children, and the only girl in her family. Her parents are still married, and both have a large extended family.

Strengths: Sociable, Energetic,
Weaknesses: Self-doubt, impulsivity

Appearance and Style: 4’11” tall, Lightly tanned skin, wavy light brown hair cut short due to losing it during chemotherapy, gray eyes. Quite feminine; likes dresses, skirts, and flowing tops with patterns, often changes earrings.

Superhero Data

Supranym: Topdog
Status: Alive, Active

Metahuman Type: Mutant
Abilities: Luciana resurrected Mr. Kibbles after the accident that caused her to manifest her power and transformed him into a mutant dog, she can also heal any of his injuries. It is not known if she can replicate this feat or Mr. K is her only possible pet.

Ravenhold Data

Acceptance to Ravenhold: Application

Class: Four
Power Category: Miscellaneous
Roommate: Amanda

Backstory

When Luciana was seven years old she and Mr. Kibble got into a high-speed car crash with a drunk driver, Although Luciana and her family were relatively unharmed Mr. Kibble, her service dog, had been fatally injured. The trauma of losing her dog caused Luciana’s power to awaken and she resurrected her dog, which had the side effect of mutating him.

For the next several years Luciana was a normal kid who just happened to have a massive mutant dog follow her everywhere, and who had learned to speak through sign language. When she was twelve she was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in her life.

As she fought cancer with all her might the hospital she was in was caught in the crossfire of a superhero battle. Unable to move Luciana risked being hurt but a Ravenhold Student by the code name Blur came and rescued her. This superspeed rescue inspired Luciana to want to become a superhero herself and she applied as soon as she ‘Kicked Cancer’s butt!’

Misc Information

  • Luciana is a bit of a carnivore and sweet tooth and dislikes vegetables, especially cabbages
  • Luciana has epilepsy for which Mr. Kibble is trained to detect.
  • Luciana’s father is Deaf and so is her maternal grandmother, the family is fluent in ASL.
  • Luciana has started a youtube series primarily about lifestyle stuff, baking, and Mr. Kibble. Her parents carefully monitor comments and social interactions it brings.
  • Luciana bakes a lot, including a variety of homemade dog treats for Mr Kibble.
  • Luciana is an avid cartoon watcher, including many classic from the 80’s.
  • Luciana is a casual gamer, prefering multiplayer party games, her Super Smash Bros main is Kirby.

Mr. Kibble

Name: Mr. Kibble
Sex Male
Age: 11 years old.
Birthday: Unknown, Date of Adoption November 3rd
Race: Purebreed German Shepherd

Mr Kibble is Luciana’s eternal companion, a service dog acquired by the family to monitor Luciana’s epilepsy. Before being adopted by the Gozanles-Alvarez’s, Mr. Kibble was a police dog trainer named Rover who flunked out of police training due to his overly gentle and kind temperament.

Ever since the accident and mutation, Mr. K has been gifted with higher-than-normal intellect and was able to learn sign language, as well as understand technology. He can also walk on two legs (which he dislikes) and has developed prehensile fingers.

Mr. Kibble is a devoted and hardworking dog who likes to play frisbee, watch television, draw with crayons, and play with cats when he is off-duty.

  • Mr. Kibble was named such by a two year old Luciana. He preferred the name to his ‘original’ name at the police kennels.
  • The family has several cats whom Mr. K loves, Mr. Kibble hopes to get his very own kitten one day!
  • Mr. Kibble distrusts squirrels whom he believes are scheming evil creatures despite reassurance from his humans.

Profile: Grant Smith

~ EJ ~ Leave a comment

Personal Data

Grant in Carrotkake’s Avatar Maker

Name: Grant Smith
Gender: Transgender Male
Pronouns: He/him
Age: 14
Birthday: August 5th
Ethnicity: Black American
Nationality: American
Species: Human
Sexuality: Bisexual

Family: Orphan. Adopted by an abusive white Evangelical couple. Adoptive parents now deceased as well.

Strengths: Can fight without putting himself in danger. Strong-willed. Quiet. Action-oriented.
Weaknesses: Unsocial. Temperamental.

Appearance and Style: A dark skinned black boy, his hair is currently in dreads that reach a little past his shoulders. He is not very tall, only about 5’3 or 5’4. Skinny. He wears a lot of dark and baggy clothes. He has deep eyebags and long lashes. He has terrible posture. A burn scar on the side of his neck from when his mother held a hot iron there to punish him for squirming while she straightened his hair.

Superhero Data

Supranym: Beastmaster
Status: Alive, Active

Metahuman Type: Magic
Abilities:  Summon animals and command them. Possibility for much stronger powers in the future. The animals turn to goo and disappear when killed or desummoned.

Ravenhold Data

Acceptance to Ravenhold: Parole

Class: One
Power Category: Mystic
Roommate: Ethan

Backstory

Grant was the surname of his biological parents, it was one of the only things he knew about them and even that he wasn’t supposed to know. He was raised by his Evangelical adoptive parents in a small and extremely Christian town. His best friend since elementary school was a chubby trans girl named Sierra, of course he was the only one who actually called her by her name. The two of them were heavily bullied throughout their childhood’s with unsupportive and abusive parents and found themselves clinging to each other as each other’s only solace. 

One day, Grant bought Sierra a present from an antique shop. A delicate metal bracelet attached to 5 beautiful rings by chains. He didn’t get the chance to give it to her. She committed suicide that weekend. 

A few days of angry, grieving rebellion and subsequent punishment later Grant found himself followed by a strange-acting fennec fox. That night Grant slept and met a strange, old forgotten nature goddess named Reka who promised him power in exchange for worship and devotion. Grant need only make a blood sacrifice.

When his parents made comments the next day, saying that it was good Sierra was gone, that it was good she couldn’t corrupt their little girl anymore, Grant made his decision. 

With the power given by Reka, Grant killed his adoptive parents and with their blood made a lifelong pact with the goddess Reka.

Misc Information

  • Grant likes to cook and is very good at it
  • Grant had a crush on Sierra
  • The fennec fox that followed Grant around is now his familiar. It’s name is Killer
  • Grant has to make regular, small sacrifices to Reka. Usually he gives her fruits and vegetables and the occasional squirrel.
  • Grant secretly wants new friends and a new family but is worried it’ll all turn out like before.
  • Grant really wants to try to wear a suit but isn’t sure he’ll look good in one
  • Reka is pushing him to wear more natural clothes and eat less processed food.

Arrival: Chapter 1.2 (Ryland)

~ Nerathul ~ 2 Comments

Ryland stood by the wayside, everything felt so distant and unreal. A few months ago it had been his dream to attend Ravenhold— No, not his dream, his and Gabe’s, his boyfriend, his first love. 

Yet there he was and Gabriel laid in a coma on the other side of the country after being viciously attacked… Someone was hunting meteor children like them and there was nothing he could do.

“Ticket?” A guard asked. 

Ryland gave it mechanically. What was even the point anymore?

By his feet, his sheltie Callie was excited beyond belief to see all these new people, all these strangers, she tugged on the leash. 

“Callie, stay.” She let out a little disappointed welp but stopped. 

“Good girl.”

Ryland joined the queue of students stowing away their baggage in the compartment numb to his surroundings. 

And then, a voice called his name,”Ryland!” He recognized the broken way his name was pronounced.

He turned and saw Nathan Jeong, the closest thing to a brother he had. Unlike Ryland, the chubby Asian teen with a nearly circular red shard embedded in the center of his forehead was beaming with excitement.

The boy almost glomped on him but then stopped himself short. Ryland, however, drew him into a tight, crushing embrace. Callie joined in the excitement, yapping happily to see a friend!

“You’re here…” Ryland muttered, not that his deaf friend could hear.

Ryland let him go and faced his friend. 

“Do you know about G- Ga-” Ryland couldn’t finish his sentence, at least not with voice, he punctuated his words with the rudimentary sign language he’d learned in the year and a half since the two had met.

Ryland fought his feelings, trying to hold back the tears. He’d already cried enough, his eyes red and puffy from the night before.

“I heard about Gabe…” Nathan said, piecing together the words from what hearing he did have, reading lips and Ryland’s signs. “Have the doctors said anything about him waking up?”

Ryland shook his head. 

Callie, unaware of the drama, pawed at Nathan for scratches.

Nathan bent and gave the doggy girl some much-desired affection, keeping his eyes on his friend.

Ryland signed as best he could, “Have you seen the others?”

“No been texting with Svar he is coming to Ravenhold too but I haven’t seen any Venusians yet.” 

Ryland however kept signing, paranoia overcoming him. Whoever had hunted them down could be there, could be listening. “Do you trust anyone?” 

Nathan signed his answer, stopping to pet Callie for a moment. “You all are my best friends. I trust you guys in the same way I trust my sisters.”

“I trust you and Svar, you’re like a brother to me,” Ryland said. But the others… he wasn’t so sure; Becca, Sarah-Lee, Jessica… And there were many more out there, hundreds perhaps…

Nathan smiled at his friend’s words, dimples forming on each side of his mouth. “You’re like a brother too.” Nathan signed.

Early on, they’d learned Meteor children could absorb each other’s fragments, steal their powers, but doing so was terribly damaging to the former host…

Ryland closed his eyes and took a breath, focusing on the crimson shard embedded in his left hand. He could feel a connection to the others, in his mind, Nathan radiated like a light in the darkness, but he could feel more lights, some close, some distant. They weren’t alone. 

Their turn to board came and the two of them took a seat by the front end of the bus. They sat, Callie, jumping on Nathan’s lap for more affection.

Soon a Venusian boarded and the two beaconed him over. “Svar over here.”

The Venusian —a species of large blue alien reptile with four eyes and dangling appendages upon their chin and the crown of the head— came and sniffed them, likely to gauge their scent. Nathan knew Venusians were not good at recognizing people by sight alone.

“Who are you?” It asked.

“It’s me, Ryland?”

Nathan signed at the Venusian, but he had no response.

“I don’t know Ryland?”

Had he just used the first person? Svar never—

A second Venusian came up right behind, “HELLO NATHAN, HELLO RYLAND!” He said, far too loud for inside a bus, even Nathan had to have heard that in full.

Ryland winced a little. “Svar?”

“”It is Svar, yes.”

The first Venusian turned to Svar, “I believe your humans are confused as to who I am.”

“Humans do that, yes, this is Svar.”

“I am Kith,” The Venusian said, “Goodbye.”

“Silly Nathan and Ryland,” Svar said, signing as well. Unlike Ryland, his signing was flawless, after meeting Nathan Svar had taken to ASL like a fish to water, though some signs had to be adapted because Venusians only had four fingers instead of five.

“What’s the chances of two Venusians on the same bus?”

With the first Venusian out of the way Nathan jumped out of his seat and hugged his favorite lizard, Svar hugging as tight as his big lizard-sausage arms allowed. Ryland watched them with a smile, these two had been very close since day one, maybe a little closer than normal, Ryland suspected there might have been something more brewing. 

The two let go and sat down, it was a little crowded three on one bench but they didn’t mind. Callie went and greeted Svar for another round of affection. 

“Hello, again canine of Earth!” Svar greeted her. 

“Svar has made a hat! Svar heard it is very cold here.” Svar opened the large bag he always carried and took out a fur hat made for a Venusian, it even had a little compartment for the zjils. Nathan took the hat, feeling the texture as Svar explained it was beaver fur. 

“It feels warm,” Nathan signed.

“Yes, Svar does not like the cold, he is also making gloves.”

Venusians were not made for the winter temperature of Earth, their homeworld being quite a bit warmer. 

For a moment they forgot their trouble as Svar enthusiastically showed all of the many creations he had created since they had last met; clothing, jewelry. Svar discussed making some for them, Nathan was particularly excited.

“I want gauges but Eomma won’t let me.” He pouted.

Svar closed his hand, a bright light emerged. When he opened them again metal gauges appeared. “Like this?” It was the power granted to him by the meteor; the ability to spontaneously fuse or fission elements.  

“Yeah, but you got to stretch your ears to wear them and Eomma would kill me if I did.”

“Svar will protect Nathan!”

Nathan laughs, “I think she would win in a fight.” 

Svar was, of course, two hundred pounds of alien death lizard, but he’d always been a softie inside, perhaps the gentlest soul Ryland knew, even with his powers he didn’t want to fight he just wanted to follow his passion and make things.

“The mother of Nathan is fierce,” Svar agreed, “Svar does not want to anger her.”

 “Good plan” 

“Sorry man,” Ryland said. “Say, have you seen any of the others?”

“Svar has seen Sarah-Lee and Becca but they are on different buses.”

“Oh.”

“And Jessica?”

“Svar did not see her.”

Strange. Jessica never left Sarah-Lee’s presence… The two were thick as thieves.

“As long as we are all at Ravenhold. It’ll probably be safer there.” Nathan declared.

“Svar not afraid, Svar can bite!”

“True, your mouth is terrifying.” Nathan signed before patting Svar’s snout gently and he leaned into the gesture.

“Is it human mouths who are puny,” Svar said, signing as well. He opens a bag and takes out some berries. “Does Nathan want zaals?”

“Is that the drug berries?” Ryland asked, having once taken some and had a not-exactly fun experience.

“I’ll pass,” Ryland said and Nathan equally declined.

Svar popped a handful into his mouth.

“Are you guys excited at all?” Nathan asked.

“Nervous,” Ryland says.

“Svar thinks superheroes are stupid,”

Nathan laughs, “Stupid? Why?”

“Why fight when you can make things?” Svar says. 

“Brilliant logic there.” Ryland joked.

“If everyone thought like that we wouldn’t need heroes,” Nathan said.

“And that is because humans are strange,” Svar said.

“I can’t disagree,” Ryland shrugged, then sank in his seat. “It’s so weird to be here with Gabe… It was his dream first…”

Nathan put a hand on his shoulder briefly, then signed; “I’m sure he’ll wake up, and then he’ll join us!”

“I really hope so,” Ryland says.

“Svar hibernated for two months before, he was very tired.”

“Humans don’t normally sleep that long,” Nathan had to remind him.

“Maybe they should,” Svar said. “Humans sleep long too often.” 

“It’s normal to us,” Nathan answered.

“Svar remains skeptical yet.”

Nathan laughed. Svar’s oddity had a way to draw you in. 

Svar opened his bag and showed them his sketch pad.  “Svar has begun making this!” 

Ryland took it and saw a superhero costume with a clock print over it, there were a few variants, Nathan flipped over pages of accessories designs. 

“You made this?” Ryland said, a sudden lump in his throat. 

“It is only design!”

“Oooo superhero costume plans already,” Nathan teased, “Where’s mine?”

“Svar has been working on these since Ryland was accepted, he has one for Gabriel as well! Nathan will have to wait.” 

“Gabe…” Ryland goes quiet.

Nathan reached out and patted his honorary brother on the back once more.

“Gabe will come when he is not tired anymore,” Svar says.

“He’s not a meteor child anymore,” Ryland said, tears swelling up once again, “they stole his fragment.”

“Maybe… we can put it back? Maybe if we find it and put it back it’ll wake him up?” Nathan signed.

“Maybe?” Was all Ryland could answer

“We’ve got to be positive!” 

“Svar agrees with Nathan,” Svar’s speech had begun to slur, his tongue limp and hanging out of his mouth, saliva dripping out.

Nathan laughed, “Svar, how high are you?” He took a tissue out of his pocket and wiped the drool.

“About three feet?” Svar leaned forward, “Svar loves Nathan,” his zjil had begun wiggling playfully. He embraced Nathan and rubbed his snout against the boy’s head.

“Yeah yeah, I love you too, you silly lizard.”

Ryland smirked at the two, maybe there was something deeper, maybe not. Venusians didn’t really do romance and sex, but still …

Svar then slumped over Nathan’s lap, “Svar may have taken too much.”

“You extra silly lizard,” Nathan said, kissing his head, his cheeks flushing slightly. 

Ryland shook his head. All that silliness had quickly changed his mind. He looked out the window. Less than an hour and they would be at Ravenhold…

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Profile: Kayla Walker

~ EJ ~ Leave a comment

Personal Data

Kayla Walker in fursona picrew by Eefoj

Name: Kayla Walker
Gender: Transgender Female
Pronouns: She/her
Age: 17
Birthday: July 17th
Ethnicity: White
Nationality: American
Species: Chimera (White wolf)
Sexuality: Pansexual

Family: Her mother ran off to ‘find herself’ when Kayla was a young kid and never made contact again. She was raised mostly by her father Jonathan Walker and her nanny. Her nanny was older and died when Kayla was 11.

Strengths:  Good at brawling. Decisive. Friendly. Easy-going.
Weaknesses: Impulsive. Reckless. Insensitive. Loud.

Appearance and Style: Kayla is tall and broad-shouldered, standing at 6’7. She is a ‘perfect’ chimera looking entirely like a bipedal white wolf with more articulation in her fingers. Her fur is pure white, fluffy, long, and soft. Her eyes are amber. She wears a lot of light, summer dresses and workout clothes, even in winter. She likes summery patterns, bright colors, and light clothes that are easy to move in and not too hot.

Superhero Data

Supranym: Feral
Status: Alive. Active.

Metahuman Type: Mutant, Chimera
Abilities: Hypertech inventions, mainly related to chemistry, biology, and genetics. Speed, strength, teeth and claws of a wolf. Good insulation from the cold due to fur.

Ravenhold Data

Acceptance to Ravenhold: Application

Class: One
Power Category: Hypertech
Roommate: Angelo

Backstory

Walker Pharmaceuticals is a multi-million dollar company owned by Kayla’s father. It was already quite successful but the business exploded more when Kayla developed her powers and began using them to develop drugs. While translating the works of a hypertech to something mass producible does not always work there were still a few life changing medicines Walker Pharmaceuticals managed to create thanks to Kayla. 

Kayla’s mother left to “find herself” when Kayla was around 7 years old. As Kayla got older her interest in dresses and girly things became hard to deny, though her father still ignored all the signs or perhaps he just never paid enough attention to notice them in the first place. Kayla’s nanny, however, was very supportive and called Kayla her chosen name and helped her wear dresses when she wanted to. Unfortunately, Kayla’s nanny died of a sudden aneurism when Kayla was 11 and she was left alone with her busy and distant father.

Kayla’s father never wanted to be distant. But business can always force life onto the back burner. And suddenly, without warning, his perfect ‘son’ became a daughter and that daughter locked herself in her lab for three days and emerged as white wolf chimera. Neither of these could he accept and the distance between the two became an impassable chasm.

Misc Information

  • Kayla spends a lot of time practicing expressions in the mirror with her new wolf face
  • Kayla is also quite good at art though she is getting used to her new paws
  • Kayla names herself after her nanny’s stillborn daughter
  • Kayla likes exercise
  • She specifically enjoys boxing!
  • She’s never been a fan of sweets, she much prefers savory foods
  • She smokes weed
  • She likes to listen to very loud EDM music while she works
  • Kayla is very clumsy in the kitchen
  • Kayla pursues casual sex often

Profile: Ryland Cook

~ Nerathul ~ Leave a comment

Personal Data

Ryland, created using Sangled’s Avatar maker!

Name: Ryland Cook
Gender: Transgender Male
Pronouns: He/Him
Age: 14
Birthday: October 11th
Ethnicity: White Anglo-Saxon
Nationality: American
Species: Human
Sexuality: Gay

Family: Ryland is the only child of a nurse and an accountant, he currently lives with his mother and has not seen his father in years.

Strengths: Supportive, Empathetic
Weaknesses: Indecisive, afraid of personal contact, distrustful

Appearance and Style: Ryland is a short-ish statured boy with poofy blonde hair, green eyes. He has a rather lithe build without much fat or muscle mass. He was a late bloomer and did not grow significant breast tissues, getting on hormone blockers at the age of eleven.

Ryland’s clothing style is varied but he requires special seamless clothes due to his sensory processing disorder. For the past two years, much of it has been made by his friend and fellow Meteor Child, Svar.

Superhero Data

Supranym: Zeitgeist
Status: Alive, Active

Metahuman Type: Meteor Child
Abilities: Ryland can manipulate how time flows for individuals within about 15 feet; speeding them, slowing them, or freezing them in time for a time, initially this ability has a rather random timing. Can sense other Meteor children and unbound fragments within a few miles.

Ravenhold Data

Acceptance to Ravenhold: Application / Special Circumstance

Class: One
Power Category: Miscellaneous
Roommate: Kiyoshi

Backstory

Ryland was just an average teen, he was tested for the Von Neumann gene at an early age as people in his extended family were mutants but tested only a single positive. This never particularly bothered the young kid who was never interested in superhero culture.

Although Ryland manifested signs of being trans at a young age, his father was adamantly opposed to the idea, being a rather conservative man, and forced the young ‘Lucie’ to conform to gender norms, leading to him being a rather quiet and depressed child.

Things came to a boiling point at age ten when it was exposed that his father had been molesting Ryland in order to ‘fix’ him. His father would end up sentenced to fifteen years in prison. Ryland’s horrified mother divorced him and she and her child moved to California to start a new life. Without her husband around, Ryland’s mother finally allowed him to transition and he was prescribed puberty blockers.

Ryland’s life would’ve been otherwise mundane from then on if not for the 2020 Iapetus crisis when shards of a destroyed meteor rained all over the earth. Ryland, who was camping with his mother, happened to be next to the crash site of one of these fragments and when he touched the meteorite remnant it bonded with him, creating a blood-red gem attached to the back of his left hand.

The government in the interest of national security rounded up all known affected individuals for study to determine if they were safe from the meteor and to others, and brought them to a secure military site. It was there that Ryland met the other teenage meteor children of the west coast; Nathan, Svar, Gabriel, Sarah-Lee, Becca, and Jessica. The group quickly formed a strong bond over the next year and a half.

Ryland would end up falling in love with his fellow meteor child Gabriel and the two had a long-distance relationship for a year. Gabriel even convinced the skeptical Ryland to apply to Ravenhold, their first applications were rejected but the two were accepted the next year.

Unfortunately, it was learned that meteor children could steal other’s gems and Gabriel was brutally attacked, his fragment stolen and he was left in a coma. Someone (or multiple someones) had been hunting other meteor children and stealing their fragments. To protect them, the Legion had all Junior Meteor children sent to Ravenhold for protection and mentoring.

Misc Information

  • Ryland took his name from one of his and his mother’s favorite musician Ry Cooder
  • Ryland’s favorite musical genre are rock, blues, and folk music which he inherited from his mother.
  • Ryland can play the guitar although not particularly well.
  • Ryland does some art both with pencils and paint in his spare time, although he doesn’t really see himself as an artist.
  • Ryland has Sensory Processing Disorder and is particularly sensitive to taste and touch, he finds skin contact and sand particularly overwhelming sensations.
  • Ryland particularly loves the outdoor, camping, hiking, and fishing (strictly catch and release)
  • Ryland has a rather limited diet compromised of ‘bland’ foods, he dislikes food with spice, and sweets.
  • Ryland is an old-school movie fanatic, particularly 70’s and 80’s horror.
  • Ryland speaks Spanish conversonally, and is learning sign language for his friend Nathan.

Arrival: Chapter 1.1 (Avery)

~ Nerathul ~ 2 Comments

A hundred thoughts buzzed into Avery’s mind, some their own, but most were not. Psychic impressions jumped right into their brain. A few months ago they’d applied to Ravenhold hoping to learn to control their powers for times like these.

The collar of their hoodie found its way into their mouth and they bit down on it, the mechanical and repetitive motion of their jaw chewing the fabric bringing some comfort. If their mother was there they’d get scolded, it wasn’t ‘proper’ for a fifteen-year-old to do, but she wasn’t there and Avery could take the little comfort the stim brought them.

There were so many people, far more than they’d ever been around back in the suburbs of Edmonton and their minds were not calm; waves of anxiety, anticipation, and excitement washed over Avery like a psychic tempest as they made their way through the crowd. 

Avery stashed their suitcase in the compartment under the bus and then walked up into the bus they’d been assigned. Climbing inside they looked for a free spot and found one next to a girl.

The girl sat staring out the window, her long, thick and wavy brown hair covered most of her bare shoulders. She wore ripped jeans and a tank top that had the sides cut out to make room for sugar glider flaps connected from her arms to her waist and sides. The cut up shirt revealed a couple of strange scars and an obvious lack of a bra, or need to wear one. When she turned to look at Avery there were black markings, like those of a sugar glider, around her eyes and a few cuts, old and new, on her chin.

“Hi! I’m Amanda!” The girl said, while her tone was soft, shy and friendly Avery could pick up the irritation deep beneath her facade. 

Avery removed their headphones and frowned at the strange girl. “I’m Avery…”

“Whatcha listening to?” Amanda asked, but her thoughts were much harsher; What’s this bitch frowning about, they’re the one that sat next to me?

“You don’t have to be so mean!” Avery snapped. It then dawned on them they had answered to Amanda’s thoughts and not words

“You didn’t say that outloud did you…”

Panic raced into Amanda’s mind, she had to get away from that damn psychic. She lost control and gravity inside the bus broke, Avery and every nearby loose object floating away. 

But Amanda wasn’t the only one in a panic, “I’m sorry… I’m sorry… it was an accident.’’ They repeated, going into a protective stance, covering their face with their arms as the memory of their father hitting them resurfacing, awaiting a hit that never came.

Avery couldn’t breathe, a panic attack hitting them hard. They did the only thing that they knew to fix it; bringing their hand to their mouth and biting on it – hard. The pain was like an anchor that grounded them.

Amanda’s power ceased and Avery fell a few inches back onto their seat. 

“I’m sorry…”

The fuck is wrong with her?

“I get punished for reading minds.”

Amanda pursed her lips. She didn’t speak but her thoughts were loud and clear to Avery; and I got punished for losing fights stacked against me. You ain’t special.

“You don’t have to be such a bitch about it.”

Amanda crossed her arms, leaning away from Avery, “Well normally the “bitch” is contained inside so it’s your own fault for being a psychic.” Her voice is low, only loud enough for Avery to hear.

“Well, it’s not my fault your thoughts are very loud, it’s not like I can switch it off!” 

Amanda leaned in and hissed, “Then sit somewhere else then.” Although the words were full of poison, Amanda’s voice was still laced with that fake softness.

“I will!” Avery snapped, drawing attention to them again. 

They got up and grabbed their bag, going to the back of the bus and flopping down in the furthest seat they could from her. 

Avery chose the seat next to a boy in a ratty black hoodie with the hood up, the split ends of long blond hair peeking out from under the hood and the drawstring missing.

The boy sat there half-asleep, his thoughts quiet, but the impact of Avery sitting down  jolted him awake.

To Avery’s surprise there were not one but two voices in his head; one clear, the other a strange distorted hiss. 

“Sorry… I’m Avery,”

He looked up at Avery when they spoke. He had a bit of stubble on his chin and his eyes were a slightly piercing blue. Around his left eye was a strange black marking and the sclera was black as well. “Thor,” he yawned. A strange inky ooze slinked up his neck and onto his cheek forming a strange mouth full of teeth, “and I am Ragnarok!”

Avery squinted at the ‘Ragnarok’ creature, the source of the mental static. “Your thoughts are weird, like old tv static, I can’t read them.”

The boy swatted at the mouth-thing but it retreated under his shirt, causing him to slap his own cheek. 

“Nobody asked you,” Thor spoke, his voice deep but still cracking.

Ragnarak’s  muffled voice came from Thor’s chest, “this kid’s a freak!”

“And you aren’t?” Thor snarled down at his own lap, “ignore Bastard.”

“I’m not a freak!” Avery snapped, tears threatening to erupt, “Why is everyone so mean today…”

“Sounds like something a freak would say!” Ragnarok gleefully said. 

Thor punched himself in the chest, hard enough that he bent over wincing. “Please, I’m begging you, just ignore him, he’s a bastard saying shit just to get a rise out of people.”

Avery didn’t look at Thor. “You don’t think I’m a freak?” 

“I’ve got a weird monster living inside me that’s trying to kill me. I don’t have the right to call anyone else a freak.” He said with a smile that pulled at his reddened and slightly swelling cheek, they could feel he was genuine.

Avery smiled back a little. “How did you get that thing inside you?”

It was then Ragnarok snapped. “That bitch fucking ripped me from my home and cut me open and turned me inside out! So I’m going to kill her precious little spawn!! I’m going to cut him open! And turn him inside out! I’m going to eat his heart and melt his brain into sludge!” As it spoke, Ragnarok slowly encroached on Thor’s face, his voice seeming to come from multiple points on Thor’s body, and soon Ragnorak’s “skin” had covered over Thor’s mouth.

Thor tried to speak but only choked noises would come out. 

Avery froze, not sure what to do. They could communicate telepathically, they knew it even if they hadn’t done so in years…

Thor had said they weren’t a freak?

 Avery projected their thoughts into Thor’s only to find his mind ensnared by Bastard like a cage.  

He’s really rude! No answer came. Can you hear me?

Thor isn’t here right now. Bastard’s distorted voice answered, soon turning into laughter.

Thor was struggling against it, and Avery felt compelled to act, but how? An idea popped into their mind.

They conjured up their worst sensory experiences; the smell of overcooked brussel sprouts, the seam of new clothes scratching against bare skin, wet greasy hands after doing dishes, chalk on the blackboard; sending it right into Bastard’s mind.

“Stop that freak! Bitch! Slut!” It screeched, drawing more attention, but it was pushed back and away from Thor’s face.

“Shut the fuck up already! Or I’ll go sunbathe on the roof in the nude again!” 

To this threat Ragnarok retreated completely out of sight, even leaving Thor’s eye back to normal. Avery could still feel its presence but it felt deep and far away in Thor’s mind.

Avery leaned back in their seat, a sudden wave of tiredness washing over them as their head buzzed and ached from the strain. 

“I’ve never done that before.”

“Well, it did help so thanks,” Thor smiled, seeming equally tired.

Avery smiled back. “It sounds very annoying,” 

“So fucking annoying.”

Avery couldn’t help but giggle. “Well, maybe if it misbehaves I can try that again. I don’t think it liked the Brussel sprouts.”

Thor took down his hood and swept his hand through his long greasy blonde hair. He’s kind of pretty, Avery thought, maybe he needed a shower and some skin lotion, but Avery was in no place to judge. 

“I really am sorry about him. It’s hard enough keeping him from taking over my limbs and shit, stopping his mouth is nigh on impossible.”

“Sounds and felt like it, I tried to reach you but couldn’t.”

“I could vaguely hear you but I had to focus too much on fighting him to respond. Distracting and annoying him is a much more effective help.” 

Avery nodded.

“Threatening him with the sun usually makes him shut up for a while but unfortunately I turn into a ripe tomato after only 5 minutes so it’s torture for the both of us.” In fact his face was already a little red, maybe it was a sunburn or maybe it was just dry skin.

“Oh same.”

“Good ole Scandinavian genes.”

“Is that where you’re from?” Avery asked.”I’m Canadian.”

“It’s where my dad’s family is from. I grew up in the States”

“Oh.”

There was a long pause as both of them took a moment to breathe after that confrontation. Avery took out some aspirin and popped two into their mouth hoping to disperse the headache growing before it would reach critical mass.

“Are you… excited to start a new school?” Thor asked.

“Terrified.” Avery answered, chewing the collar of their shirt once again, they could feel Thor wasn’t judging, “I was home-schooled.”

“That’s…” Avery paused trying to find words, “not good? But it’s reassuring to know I’m not alone.”

“Same actually.”

“I’m sure we’ll both be fine and we can look after each other as fellow former homeschoolers.”

Thor nodded and there was another pause. 

“Do… Do you have a phone?” Avery asked.

Thor got out his phone, its screen heavily cracked, and shared his number with Avery, and Avery shared theirs. Avery didn’t have any signal down in the United States but hopefully they would get a SIM card soon enough.

As the bus continued its journey there was a happy bounce in Avery’s foot. For the first time in their life they’d made a friend!

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