005 - Fifth Bell [Action/Video]

[siryms_echo]

[Anodrac's video feed starts abruptly; the book is thrown against a tree, opening just enough to catch the winged woman crumpling to her knees, hands clamped over her large ears. Underneath the disheveled locks of hair hanging over her face is an expression of unbearable pain, tears streaming from the corners of her clenched-shut eyes.]

It hurts. It hurts, it hurts, it hurts...

[Her voice seems even softer than usual, so much so that the journal barely picks it up. To Anodrac, however, her own voice is unbearably loud; everything seems so much louder than before, even the barely-audible rustling of the wind through the trees. Her ears are picking up every sound around her now, overloading her senses to the point of painful disorientation.]

Make it stop. Make it stop...

[Her pleading eventually stops, and she makes her way over to the journal. Reaching out pitifully, she closes it, cutting off the feed.]

[Quite some time later, she has finally made herself out of the woods, and is one of the roads on her way home -- more specifically, she's just managed to pass house 55. At times she's walking, albeit slowly and unsteadily; other times, she's collapsed onto her knees again, trying to keep her head from exploding with pain.]

((OOC: As a side effect of the Mallynapping, Anodrac's got hyper-sensitive hearing, even for her own species. So, for those that would encounter her on her agonizing trek home, it might not be too noticeable at first...))

Comments

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert spends a significant amount of time in House 55's garden plot when he's busying himself around the house. Because of how isolated House 55 is, people don't often come that way, so seeing anybody is strange enough.

Seeing Anodrac definitely is. And even Robert can read that expression of horrifying pain. But he doesn't know where it comes from, yet.]

A-Anodrac...?

[Luckily, his voice isn't too loud, as he approaches her... but it will probably still be very painful.]

[Action]

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

[The sound of Robert's voice, even at its lowered volume, is enough to make Anodrac wince; the action causes her to lose what little balance she had, and she topples to the ground with her hands clapped over her ears again.]

R... Robert... [Even with her hushed murmur, the pain in her tone comes through perfectly.] ...my head hurts...

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Okay, that body language is blunt enough that even Robert can tell that Anodrac's serious pain is probably caused by sound.

With large ears like that, it's not surprising that she'd be easily pained by loud noises... but this hasn't hurt her before.

After a moment, curiously, he withdraws his journal and begins writing on it, before placing the journal on the ground, near Anodrac.]

Did the Malnosso damage your hearing?

[Action]

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

[Her people have never had much use for writing, being an audio-centric race. Now, however, she is at least partially glad her contact in Solaria taught that skill to her -- as best as one could to someone blind, anyway.]

[As he sets the book near her, she hesitates. She cannot read what he's written, but she can only assume he is asking about her condition...]

[Nervously, she picks up the pen and writes out something in response, her handwriting shaky and unpracticed.]

Malnosso... enhanced... my hearing... For their... 'Tests'. As result... everything... causes pain.

[Action] | ... derp, I should've remembered she was blind D:

[semper_cogitans]

[... Oh. Yes. She did say she couldn't see. Of course, Robert doesn't have any way to make Braille or its equivalent...

He drops his voice so low it's barely a whisper, trying not to hurt her, and keeps his sentence short and concise.]

We need... ear plugs.

[Action] | Imagine the look on my face when I read your previous post XD

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

That's a... good idea.

[She pushes herself up onto her knees, then cradles her head again. What she wouldn't give for some relief...]

...I would also appreciate... some water...

[Action] | D'oh LOL Sorry about that 8|;;

[semper_cogitans]

Ah... please give me o-one moment.

[Robert goes into the house, careful about the barrier - after all, the last thing Anodrac needs is more pain - and fetches water for her. Ear plugs are going to be harder to find, though - the family doesn't have any, unfortunately, which might be evidenced by Robert's tight frown as he returns.]

I would... have to go to the store for ear plugs...

[Action] | It happens. :Db

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

...that's... fine.

[She empties the glass that he's gotten for her all at once -- then gingerly hands it back to him.]

Will I be waiting here, or am I to accompany you...?

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

What would be... e-easier for you?

[There's little chance that Robert, weak and frail as he is, would be much of a help for Anodrac at anything physical. For example, there's no way he's carrying her...]

[Action]

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

...I believe it would be easier for me to walk with you. Unless...

[She looks at the house slowly, then shakes her head.]

No. I would not want to burden your housemates with my presence.

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

To be fair, it... might be dangerous to try to go inside, due to... c-certain perimeter defenses...

[Because of the barrier, mostly...]

So I have... n-no qualms taking you to the shop...

[Action]

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

Then... we shouldn't waste much time...

[She picks herself off the ground, slowly, making sure she's got her balance before dusting herself off. Then, she gives Robert a small, reassuring smile.]

I think I am all right, as long as we avoid any place that would be too... Busy.

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[He nods, giving her a small smile in return before slowly turning in the direction of the store.

It's... not a short walk. In fact, it's the majority of the village...]

We can... s-stay in the forest. It... should be quieter.

[Uh, well, hopefully.]

[Action]

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

[It'll be quiet enough. She'd rather the monotonous hum of insects than the unpredictable sounds of people going about their business.]

Lead the way. [At least now she'll have someone to lean on for support if she stumbles. Possibly.]

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Trying to be as silent as possible, Robert takes Anodrac's hand gently and leads her through the forests. He tries to stick to the outlying paths, realizing how potentially dangerous it is but at the same time not wanting to risk Anodrac's health further.

Of course, there are going to be spots where the din of the crowd will be far too audible anyway...]

[Action] | D'aww, this is kinda sweet :3

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

[There are times where Anodrac pauses, slowly tightening her grip on Robert's hand as they pass a few particularly loud areas. Thankfully, since Robert's around to distract her attention from the noise (somewhat), things aren't as bad as the bat-winged woman had expected.]

[That is, of course, until they get within hearing range of the store -- somewhere in the general area of CH4, for her -- and the sounds of people shuffling about gets quite a bit louder.]

[So, as they draw nearer to their destination, Anodrac will move closer to him, trying her hardest to keep herself from hurting his hand and/or collapsing onto the ground.]

[Action] | It actually is <3

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert really doesn't know what to do to help her at this point, other than try to be as strong as possible for her - which, okay, it's not that strong, but it's better than nothing, hopefully? His slender fingers grip hers with a reassuring closeness.]

Not too much f-further...

[... Though they're still a fair distance away, and things will only get more painful from here on in...]

[Action] | I'll need to draw this scene <3 So much potential~

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

[Anodrac nods, slowly, keeping herself as composed as she can.]

I-I think... I can make it...

[... At least, that's what she's telling herself. The sounds are becoming almost too much for her, making her head pound as though someone was beating on it endlessly.]

[Her pace slows somewhat, and she lets out a faint whimper of discomfort -- but she keeps on, knowing that now she's got someone guiding her.]

[Action] | If you do end up drawing it I'd love to see <3

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert's half-tempted to try to stem the noises by wrapping Anodrac's head in something, but it won't be that easy and he doesn't want to damage those delicate ears. So instead, he tries to pick his way around the crowd - social anxiety means he's prone to doing that anyway, gravitating away from the clusters of people.

In practise, this pretty much involves walking around the back of the square, trying to cut through the forest behind the school. Hopefully that'll be less loud than just strolling into the plaza would be...

But whatever happens, Robert isn't letting go of Anodrac's hand, and his face is that of quiet determination.]

[Action] | I should be able to show you once the internet's stable at home, methinks :D

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

[There is still a considerable amount of noise, yes -- but definitely much, much less than she would have been subjected to if she had just walked through.]

[Her tight grip loosens, somewhat. It's a little better now.]

...not much farther, right?

[Action] | Awesome <33

[semper_cogitans]

No... n-not much farther.

[He isn't simply being reassuring - he's actually leading her to the back of the grocery shop.]

In fact... we are nearly at it...

... Though I imagine the s-store will be... unpleasant.

[Action] | ... This is an awesome CR moment, too :3 Ano and Robert, BFFs /shot

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

...As long as we can find these earplugs relatively quickly, I should be... all right.

[She sounds a little nervous, but... the thought of imminent, head-splitting pain does that to people. But, regardless, she's being as strong as she can.]

[Action] | D'aw Robert wouldn't mind being her BFF ;w;

[semper_cogitans]

[Honestly, if Robert was expecting imminent head-splitting pain he'd probably be outright terrified, so Anodrac is doing ridiculously well in comparison.

Robert carefully leads the batlike woman around the store, and as quickly as possible ferries her inside the door. The noise inside is significantly more prevalent, even if it's mostly people chatting and maybe store music?, and Robert imagines that, to Anodrac's current state, it must be deafeningly painful.

Still, he's reluctant to run and have her lose whatever balance remains. But Anodrac might notice him definitely shifting to prop her up as they make a beeline for the medical supply aisle.]

[Action] | ;w; Yay~

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

[Anodrac's reaction upon entering the store is not unlike someone staggering back after being hit. Her free hand moves to her forehead, her expression faltering.]

[Tears come to her eyes, and she blinks them away resolutely; it's only a little bit longer, she keeps telling herself. Just a little bit longer...]

[She slowly untangles her hand from his, and rests her arm over his shoulders, if he'll allow it, so that she can walk alongside him without the risk of falling over.]

[Action] | <3 He needs more friends anyway LOL

[semper_cogitans]

[That reaction of pain is definitely not lost on Robert; he tries his best to help Anodrac stand as she recoils, and quietly bears the extra weight on his shoulders as much as his frail little body can manage. Luckily Anodrac probably isn't too heavy or they'd likely both be on the ground.

Ear plugs... ear plugs... all Robert can think is that there better be some that fit Anodrac's ears. Because he can't even imagine what it would be like to ride out this effect without them...]

[Action] | LOL, so does Ano. This works out perfectly :Db

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

[If her expression of gut-wrenching agony enough to convey how bad this is, her unsteady steps probably are; she's finding it increasingly harder to keep herself steady, despite her efforts.]

Please tell me... it isn't much farther...

[Because, if this keeps up, she's going to end up on the floor.]

[Action] | It totally does \o/

[semper_cogitans]

[This is almost unfair. Robert hates seeing Anodrac suffer like this. It's bad enough that the Malnosso had to torture her awhile; it's worse that it's continuing even now.

Finally, luck decides to smile upon them and he notices moldable ear plugs in the aisle. With some difficulty he grabs the container of them and offers it to Anodrac.]

See if these help...

[They should be flexible enough to block out at least some of the sound without hurting Anodrac's ears...]

[Action] | \o/ ... So I ended up turning that picture into a small comic

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

[The earplugs look... a bit like gumdrops. But they felt sturdy enough... She fiddles with one for a moment, before slipping the pair into her ears -- carefully, of course, and with a hopeful expression on her face..]

...

[The change in her expression is almost immediate. A loud, relieved sigh leaves her lips, and she smiles widely.]

That feels... much, much better.

Thank you, Robert. [She'd hug him, but... Well, she's not sure how he stands with that...]

[Action] | Okay that sounds adorable D:

[semper_cogitans]

[... Honestly, he probably wouldn't mind. But he can't tell that she wants to hug him - he's just happy that everything went okay.]

... You are... most welcome. I am only g-glad that I could assist.

[And he smiles a little shyly.]

[Action] | I KNOW RIGHT :D

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

[...why not. HAVE A HUG, ROBERT.]

I'm glad I have a friend like you.

[Annnnd now she draws back, still grinning delightedly.]

[Action] | Baw now I need to see this

[semper_cogitans]

[... Oh. A hug. Robert never knows what to do with these things when people give them when he's not super-close.

... Hope you don't mind an extremely awkward hug attempt, Anodrac. Kind of... stiff; a little mechanical almost. But it's clear that he's trying.]

... I... a-am likewise glad...

[Action] | Once I get it done I WILL SCAN IT. \o/

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

[It's the try that counts. So, she'll smile at his attempt and nod slightly.]

So... I suppose we should be heading home. I've kept you long enough as it is, haven't I?

[Action] | *approves of this forever*

[semper_cogitans]

Ah... well, it was all for a... g-good cause.

... I hope those help you... [Of course it will still be uncomfortable awhile, but it should severely reduce the impact.]

... Please take care, Anodrac.

[Action] | *does too*

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

I will. [Or, rather, she'll try. She needs to get used to the earplugs first.]

Perhaps another time, you can introduce me to your housemates.

And... don't hesitate to contact me if you just want to talk. I would... appreciate the company. [She smiles, before bowing and going on her way.]

[Video]

[lina-revolution.livejournal.com]

H-Hey, Anodrac! Stay with me, all right? I'm on my way!

[And indeed, she is, racing out of her apartment in Building 3 and quickly down the stairs.]

[Video] -> [Action]

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

[Just as Lina finishes talking, Anodrac gives the camera a glance, her expression reminiscent of a wounded animal's before shutting it. She holds it as though holding something dangerous, looking pained to even have it in close proximity; she can hear still hear muffled noises from various video and voice feeds, all coming to her ears at once in a cacophony of painful sounds.]

[By the time Lina gets to her, she's got her knees curled up to her chest, her hands pressed to her ears, and her eyes clenched shut once more as she rocks, faintly, back and forth. The journal lays, closed, the roots of a tree a yard or two away from her.]

[Action]

[lina-revolution.livejournal.com]

Wha...hey! Don't hang up on me, damn it! Where...

[But the feed cuts out. With a long, drawn out, suffering sigh, Lina grabs her cloak from the hall closet and races out into the village.

her heart gives a leap when she spies the woman curled up on the ground.] Anodrac! Hey! [She hurries over, skidding to a stop in the last stretch before kneeling down next to her.] What's up?!

[Action]

[anodracthedark.livejournal.com]

[There's a faint wince as Lina speaks, before she looks up, pained as ever.]

Everything's... so loud. My head... hurts.