006 | Video [dated 30/6]

[abhero]

[After a week of radio silence, Emil is broadcasting from his room. He’s without a hat today, horn visible through his blonde hair. He also gave up the contacts, showing his now red eyes. People who know him might notice he’s more subdued than usual, but then again he almost got murdered violently.]

You all heard about that mob incident in Vegas. Some of you probably have questions, so… here goes.

[A pause. He looks very serious.]

Yes, it was a lot like being in a zombie movie, except these guys weren’t rotting and they didn’t try to eat my brain. Also, little old ladies are strangely strong. Walkers are deadly weapons, it’s scary.

[Sigh.]

Anyway. The cultists are having a field day with this. I thought going back to Locke would get them off my back but they keep sending me these facebook messages. I think some of them are supposed to be encouraging but it’s just creepy as fuck:

”Face your true self.”

“You let us down you’re an asshole”. This guy spelled “you’re” wrong. Dick.

“Work harder exclamation mark exclamation mark. You’re a child of the shell exclamation mark exclamation mark exclamation mark exclamation mark” and so on. Next.

”The great lobster is displeased”, “Sorry if I hit you” - huh, that’s nice actually - “That horn is really cute”, “Don’t be afraid just look inside”, “You owe me a new megaphone” - uh. [He looks away, sheepish.] This one has a point... anyway, you get the picture. I got like dozens of these. It’s really annoying.

[He rubs his eyes. Now it’s obvious he’s trying hard to keep up appearance.]

I dunno. There’s always a chance of outing yourself but I wish it was nicer than failed cult icon and “demon kid destroys a fountain.”

[And he turns off the video.]

Comments

[pheromonecoffee]

Disable Facebook for now. And mail me that suit, I'll show them the great lobster.

[abhero]

[That gets an actual laugh]

Fine but don't forget to take pictures.

[pheromonecoffee]

[That's what he was aiming for.]

I have run around in a lobster suit with pictures for worse reasons.

[abhero]

I'll express mail it even. Worth the extra charge.

[pheromonecoffee]

Don't you dare think I won't stay a few more days just to make fun of cult people in a lobster suit.

[lackinginfaith]

You doing alright, kid?

*Kari's being nice. Whether it lasts, who knows.*

[abhero]

I'm fine.

[Except not really.]

Thanks. For stepping in.

[lackinginfaith]

*nods* My team, my responsibility. Though I wouldn't blame his parents for getting all overprotective. It's probably better for him and you.

*Although she wonders how Annie would feel.*

Is the rampaging common?

[abhero]

Yeah, it's better when you get to move away from this and leave everyone else to deal with the fallout.

[And by "everyone else" he means himself. But he's not bitter or anything, nope.

He's a lot more hesitant to address the other point.]

I… don’t think so? I think it only happens when I’m really upset...

[Voice]

[gobybessie]

Your "true self"?

[ What even is this. ]

[Voice]

[abhero]

[Sigh.]

Yeah, I dunno either. It's like a weird New Age thing with lobsters.

[Voice]

[gobybessie]

So they believe you're a lobster, you think?

[Voice]

[abhero]

What? No!!

[They believe he's a very misguided demon, sheesh.]

It's more like... you know how people think there's a monster lobster - ha, it rhymes - in the water? These cultists, they worship it or something. They say us Numbers are its servants. Call us Children of the Shell and say we’re gonna show people how to “face their true selves”.

Apparently they think I’m failing my lobster-given mission.

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[buildyourworld]

[ Like you didn't see this coming, right? ]

What the hell were you thinking?

[ He didn't save you so you could wreck havoc like a raving lunatic. ]

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[abhero]

Ask the person who tried to murder me with a mob.

Video

[buildyourworld]

I know what you're capable of. You could have easily knock them down and run away without causing that ruckus.

[ In fact, you're the one who told him about your abilities. ]

Video

[abhero]

[He grits his teeth. That's the last thing he wants to hear, especially since he does feel guilty.]

Easy for you to be smart in hindsight. I did and they kept coming like zombies, there was nowhere to run.

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[orangehoodie]

It's probably for the best to just stay offline...

Are you feeling okay?

video;

[abhero]

I'm fine. [Except he isn't]

You?

[orangehoodie]

I'm healed. The broken hand sucked, but it's better, now.

Well... I guess I'll be avoiding crowds for a while, though.

[pause] Hey.

I think you'll have people asking you what happened. Even I don't really know why it happened. I guess if you want to answer that's your choice... but if anyone gives you shit for it, don't listen. It's not like you asked for this to happen.

private

[abhero]

Yeah, I don't feel like going near crowds either. But I'm glad you're okay.

...and thanks. I'm trying not to.

[How successful he is... that's another thing.]

I already asked Matt, but I wanna make sure. Did I. Hurt you or anything? It's all really vague after some point.

[senseandcecilbility]

[Cecil has never liked musicians, his parents being punk rock singers of disputable talent, who dumped him with his grandfather as soon as they had a chance. The most recent events in his city have not changed those views at all.]

Please, do tell me that the pianist kid has been grounded for life.

[Priorities. Nonsense like mind control and cultists can wait for the time being.]

[abhero]

[Grounded. For brainwashing and attempted murder. Emil is completely deadpan.]

He got charged and I think his parents are making him move away.

I assume grounded for life is included there somewhere.

[senseandcecilbility]

[Cecil is equally deadpan.]

Good.

[May the kid be an example to all those who attempt to make his city any crazier.]

...Perhaps the cultists will go away if you ignore them long enough. Are you hurt?

[abhero]

I got beat up pretty good, but I heal fast. I'm fine.

[Physically. Emotionally he's a hot mess.]