One Star [TEXT]

[sylvanguard]

Bear with me guys, I'm a bit new to all this.
[That being the superhero or whatever it was being called, thing.]

The name is Ariel. I've suspected for some time that I was different, but until recently I didn't think there was really anyone else like me. Now I know I'm wrong.

Anyway, I'm here more to offer help than to blather on about myself. My dad is a photographer of some renown, popular in fashion mags and stuff. He is best known for his "fusion photography" which is combining nature and models together to create awareness about the environment and stuff. Well, I know there are a few of you out there whose appearance might not be considered normal, so I'm making this offer to you, drop me a line and I'll get you in touch with my dad. Maybe you could put a positive spin on things before the media fear mongers you into something you don't want to be.

[A small hesitation in typing. It's conceivable that there are people who want to be feared as well, and she knows it.]

This is only if you want to try and change public opinion of you or maybe start a new career. [Talking to you Julian.]

Anyway, aside from that, I'm curious to know just how many people out there have a thing for archery? I recently discovered I am quite good at it. Like, insanely good. I'd like to maybe have a friendly competition between archers one of these days. You know get to know each other and all that.

Comments

[sylvanguard]

Actually, I was thinking Duck. But you don't have webbed feet. But I can see dove. Yes actually I should have thought of that!

[espigeonage]

...also I'm better off than duck. Though people seem to think those're cute.

Not exactly what I'd have picked if someone'd held a gun to my head and said choose a bird... [Julien snorts.] What would you pick, Ariel?

[sylvanguard]

[Without hesitation:] Falcon or a hawk. Something quick and fierce.

[espigeonage]

There we go. Yeah, that'd be cooler, too.

[sylvanguard]

Dove is nice as well though. They make cute cooing noises.

[espigeonage]

Still. Prey species - "vermin". People say they spread disease. Really, they don't. But you remember in the fall they were dying everywhere? So many people didn't care.

[In September Julien echoed back a virus that killed a lot of them and weakened others. Given long enough some of the survivors' descendents will be sentient. Already there are some individuals that are just smarter. Julien went and set up a little rescue in an abandoned house, getting his friends to bring him sick birds.]

...maybe I knew.

[sylvanguard]

[She remembers that. Her mom had raised funding to study the cause, but not much had been done about it.]

My family cared. I remember mom raising funds to investigate it.

What did you know?

[espigeonage]

And I'm glad about that. I am. And there were other people who wanted to help them, even when it just started. But... well, they're not popular birds.

[City pigeons get a lot of hate.]

Maybe I knew this was where I was headed. Maybe that's why I cared.

[...Julien carries spiders outside instead of squashing them. He's always had a soft heart, and he likes to feel useful.]

[sylvanguard]

Well, yeah. It's hard to conjure up love for an animal called the winged rat. Personally, I think European Starlings are worse. Pidgeons are at least native to the Americas and are just adapting to humans, but Starlings are a pest.

[espigeonage]

It's not their fault, they didn't decide to cross the ocean. They're smart, and their flocks are beautiful.

...hah, anyway, you didn't check in, here, to hear me mope. I'll check in with your dad. Think you could be there for part of all that? I don't know how long this kind of thing would take.

[sylvanguard]

It's alright, we are all entitled to our opinions and beliefs.And, sure I could be there! I'm here for another week or so before I need to start thinking about going back to work.

[espigeonage]

Right! Great. I love people, but I've never done anything like this. Could be weird!

[he'd also like a friend on hand.]