afterthought | Unite my states and hyper stimulate everything, especially my human heart feels safe

Unite my states and hyper stimulate everything, especially my human heart feels safe

[Another day, another damn move to some other small backwater community.

It's not as if they have a lot of options about where to live in this world. It had to be the right kind of place, far from human eyes, as there were far too many of those creatures in the world anymore for a super natural being to stay in one place for all their life. An infestation, Riku's heard his father say nearly all his life. He can't say he shares those views, but he's also not sure he really wants to be friends with them.

Still, there is a twinge of curiousity about them inside his heart. They were curious, plain creatures, and that curiousity sparked something of a desire to learn about them in him. It took a lot of convincing and arguing with his stubborn, draconic and prideful father to even let him find a place where he could learn more and stay in the same spot. Not even about humans, but other creatures. It seemed silly to him to keep to himself like so many other dragons when there's so much to the world and its inhabitants and a lot to learn.

After all, it's not as if he's pure 100% dragon. Looking more like a chimera than anything, a mix of draconic and wolf characteristics that blend together enough, but that separate him from both monstrous communities. His father hasn't completely abandoned him (yet), but there wasn't really a lot of love between them.

Eh, whatever. Trying out this new school concept would be an interesting social experiment he guesses. And Riku would be on his own for the most part, so there wasn't any more opposition from what little family ties he did have.

Shuffling the modified pack off his back and slipping into a random seat in the back for his first period, Riku keeps his eyes away from any that may be wandering around. Ears pin back behind his horns, he feels a bit nervous, as if this is the wrong decision, but it's too late to back out now.]

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[The thing about a school for monsters is that most people look pretty damn weird. And maybe that's the beauty of it. Maybe that's the really cool thing about knowing that everyone's going to look unique and have their own skills to figure out and their own guidelines to follow.

This school is probably one of the best places for creatures to come and settle in, learn how to adjust to their monstrous traits and grow into the creatures they're meant to be. The school had a pretty decent acceptance rate, and even those who didn't have a lot of power behind them were readily accepted.

Sora had been attending this school for a few years now and for a long while everything felt the same. Nothing changed as the days passed and while he had plenty to keep him busy, sometimes he wished for something new. Sometimes he wished for something exciting to happen, something to grab his attention and give him something to focus on that wasn't his pouncing skills or identifying the poisons in his claws.

Unlike his best friend, Kairi, Sora was one of the people who was very clearly a creature more than human despite being bipedal with human-esque features. Gray fur covered him from head to toe and the cat-like eyes he possessed were a bright blue. It was weird to think that he still had other hair on his head, too, not to mention that he chose to wore a jacket but nothing else, but that was just how Sora felt. He wanted to emulate humans a little but this was as close as he was going to get.

It was early morning when whispers broke out on campus about a new student that would be arriving that day. Kairi had told him she was going to be assigned to help this new boy out, but Sora had stopped listening the moment Riku walked into the room. That had to be him, right? Hybrids weren't that rare in this day and age, but the fact that this boy was part dragon caught several people's attention. Unfortunately for Riku, people were starting to look at him curiously before glancing at each other, wondering who this boy was and how dangerous he was bound to be.

Perched on his haunches on his desk, Sora tilted his head and watched for a moment before murmuring to Kairi.

"That's him, isn't it?"

The red-haired girl turned, very clearly human-passing even as she shimmered in the light from the open window.

"Think so."

Sora paused again, frowning in thought.

"Cool. I'm gonna go talk to him."

"Sora, wait--!"

Without warning Sora leapt and bounded his way over a few desks, leaping like the cat he was before settling on a desk next to Riku's. Without really waiting, he leaned down enough to look in his face, smile etching its way across his features.]

Hey. I'm Sora. [Well that was easy.]

[The staring was starting to grate on his nerves, forcing Riku to look away from the bulk of the room. It wasn't abnormal exactly. In most communities, he tends to draw stares and attention anyways, even when he doesn't want it. There's even been a handful that notice his heritage and actively hide from it. Not that he blames them. Dragons are elitist powerful pricks in his mind.

It just never gets easier to deal with, even as the room quietly grows into murmurs and mutters. Honestly, if dragons weren't such elusive assholes, Riku's life wouldn't feel like a spectacle anymore.

Oh well. Doesn't matter. He's hear for the sake of learning anyways. Maybe he doesn't need friends, although a few creatures piqued his curiousity as he came in. A few had wings, most had tails, some multiple limbs in a variety of places, others that weren't bipedal, and some that looked perfectly human (but smelled entirely different). It was a strange kind of melting pot. Riku just Hope's he's making the right decision by doing this.

He's literally thrown out of his melancholy and thoughts with the introduction of the loud thud beside him, nearly jolting the dragon out of his seat. Tall triangular ears perked way up before pinned down against his head again, nearly missing the pointed tips of his curved horns. Dark leathery wings fold against his back tightly as a half-furred, half-scaled long thin tail swishes to and fro just a bit. Bright teal eyes narrow at the closeness of this newcomer, as his entirely lupine shaped and dark furred face (in contrast to the messy silvery "mane" he has) just frowns at him.

People... usually don't get this close to him, and Riku's a bit unsure at how to act or socialize.]

Uh...hi?

[Was this the kid who was supposed to be showing him around or just a random kid in this class? This might be harder than he thought.]

[The stubby cat-like tail swishes a little, an action Sora finds himself doing often times when he's thinking or when he's excited. He's still watching Riku's face carefully, clawed toes tapping on the desk he's perched on for a few moments as he thinks of the best way to tackle this. Usually people are a little easier to talk to, but he has to admit he's never really spoken to a dragon before. Even if Riku's a hybrid, he's heard about dragons and their temperament.

Not that that stops him though.]

What, no name in return? [There's a smile and Riku's greeted to the sight of two rows of sharp, triangular teeth.] Come on, that doesn't seem totally fair.

[Is this a cat or a dog? At the rate that the tail is wagging, it's hard for Riku to tell. This grey... some kind if boy is so eager and excited, and that's not the usual demeanor the dragon finds himself presented with. A cold shoulder or whispers and stares are something he can handle. Not this...

Though the comment makes him huff and frown somewhat, though the sight of those teeth does make him a bit curious. To be honest, he's never seen anything like Sora before. He doesn't look too fearsome, but looks can be deceiving.

Feeling his tail being twisted, he glances away awkwardly, propping his chin up with a paw.]

It's Riku...

Riku. [The name's repeated, Sora staring at Riku curiously and humming a little as he mulls that over. It's not really like any other name he's ever heard before, and it makes him want to ask even more questions. Claws click on the desktop as Sora sits on his haunches.] Cool. Pretty easy to remember and everything.

[Riku props up his head and Sora frowns lightly.] It's nice to meet you though. We don't get a lot of new students. What made you come here?

[So much for playing it cool.]

[Eyes flick over for a brief moment at the sounds of the claws tapping against the wood. His name isn't that awkward or weird or uncommon, is it? Draconic naming conventions are a little weird, but a shortened name like that should be acceptable here.

So there is a slight stifled sound of laughter. Easy to remember? That's a weird thing to say.

Maybe. He's not really sure if that's a common thing other monsters say to one another.]

...Nice to meet you too. [It's slow and unsure, probably coming off as more insincere than genuine unfortunately. He does however, turn a little bit to Sora.]

It's a school, right? I guess I wanted to learn some things.

[Not at all going to mention how much he doesn't know about other monsters and other beings.]

...What about you?

[It's a weird thing to say, but at least it's keeping the conversation going and that's really all Sora wants out of this. The clicking continues, gaze focused on Riku entirely and ignoring the world around him (including ignoring the fact that Kairi's glaring daggers into the back of his head. She's trying to see how it's going but Sora's head is in the way, thanks!!)

But he shrugs.]

My mom made me. [Which...is true. But Sora grins easily again.] This school's actually pretty good for learning how to use your abilities and stuff. Most of us who show up here don't know what we're doing at first. You'll probably fit in soon enough.

[The amount of eye contact by now is making him a little unsettled. But it's only when Riku glances around the rest of the room and still sees that other eyes are on him does that make him awkward. Ears tilt back as he shifts his weight.

Probably fit in... he doesn't know about that. But it would be kind of nice.]

I don't really need training. [To prove a point, he huffs and a small puff of smoke escapes his nostrils.] But that sounds nice.

[Upon noticing that she's been spotted, Kairi jerks back just enough and seemingly shimmers out of sight, turning away to face the front instead. Sora cants his head to the side, trying to understand what caused that but thinking nothing of it.]

You say that now, but it's not just about covering the basics. And anyway maybe that just means you'll get to show off for the rest of us if that's the case. I'm still mastering a lot of my own skills but Kairi's pretty good at what she does, too. You guys have that in common.

[Subtle, Sora.]

[Riku's eyes haven't been focusing on anyone else in particular in the room, but following Sora's gaze, he catches sight of the mote ghost-like girl. He tilts his head to the side at her reaction, looking a lot like a curious dog instead of a dragon hybrid. What's her deal?

...Kairi? [He had been given that name earlier in the morning. Does this chatterbox know her too?

He feels his ego being preened a little, and strangely, it relaxes him slightly. His wings relax against his back and he finds himself more interested in something new now.]

Yeah? What can do? Or are supposed to do?

[Upon hearing her name, Kairi peeks at the bows over her shoulder and offers a friendly little smile. Sora doesn't take notice though and there's an enthused nod in return.]

Uh-huh. She's my best friend! She's also one of the smartest people in our grade. You guys would probably get along, too. [He's going to leave out that Kairi's probably going to attack on her own. His back leg moves, scratching behind his ear like a dog before settling in his crouch again.]

They're supposed to do a couple of things, but I've mastered one! Check this out. [There's a brief pause before his fur stands on end, rippling a bit before changing to a bright orange with acidic blue stripes.]

[The ghost girl? Riku doesn't necessarily wave, but gives her his own awkward (for fear of showing off his fangs) little smile. She looks nice he guesses.

Looking back at Sora though, this kid is more like a dog than a cat.] Maybe. I think I'm supposed to meet up with her later.

[The changes in his fur do interest him, Riku's somewhat cat-like pupils going wide with interest. Honestly, he looks better with grey fur. This seems bright and loud but it's kind of cool. He's never seen anything like it before.]

Huh. Does it let you do anything though?

Edited 2019-05-20 18:32 (UTC)

[An overly friendly puppy. It's unfortunate that he's like this given he's supposed to be an attack breed of creature, but it's probably fine.]

Probably. She's also one of the most involved people in this school so it wouldn't surprise me if she's supposed to show you around during the afternoon. [He looks a little put-out about that, like maybe he's bummed he doesn't get to come along. Even while that's happening, his fur ripples back to something dark green with black spots instead.]

It's a camouflage technique! [He sounds proud at least.] It's supposed to help with blending in to sneak into enemy territory but the traditional colors are pretty boring. [And to prove his point, he waits before his fur becomes the color of the desk he's seated on.] I'm still working on combat.

[Well, nothing lowers an enemy's defense like friendliness. Maybe one day Sora can use that to his advantage.]

...Right. [He merely nods, nervousness flaring up in his mind again. Having someone who is so involved in the goings-on here to show him around wouldn't be a bad idea, but... what if he makes it worse somehow or messes up. Everyone seems to have a high expectation already just because of his heritage.

For a moment, any sign of a smile fades, but at least Sora offers up a distraction for him. One he really is interested in. His eyes widen again at the new colours, and his voice sounds like he's starting to relax a little.]

It's pretty cool. I've never seen anything like it before. It'll come in handy.

["You'll get there" is only on the tip of his tongue, but he swallows it back. Regardless, he is silently rooting for you, Sora.]

I hope so. [Sora nods to himself, mostly in agreement but also because he's trying to keep the conversation light. Being new is probably still scary and despite the fact he wants to know, like, everything about Riku he has to remind himself to take it slow.

His fur reverts to its gray color, blue eyes blinking as he adjusts and settles.]

People say that the combat techniques are the most important, but I think there's a lot of other stuff here that's important. Do you usually work by yourself?

[That's fair. Riku can 100% agree with that. There's more to life than fighting, or hoarding objects, and everyone has different talents.

His ears flatten slightly.] Um... yeah. Usually. [Dragons aren't known to share or socialize much, as cool as everyone thinks they are. It's hard to find someone who isn't afraid or throws themselves into danger just to impress them.

It's something he's hoping to change here.]

Combat is important but so is staying alive. Sometimes that means not fighting...

[Another touchy subject, huh?] That's what I've been trying to tell people, but nobody really listens. Well, Kairi does, but she's not much of a fighter anyway.

[Riku's earned himself some points at least.] I know that's what we're really supposed to be training for, but I always kind of wonder if there's another way to use everything we've been learning.

[There's another grin.] Hopefully we're not too far behind your own skills.

[More awkward than touchy. Riku's always been more awkward than cool, despite how he may act at times.]

...Really? [He is genuinely surprised at that. To his mind, this is a melting pot of creatures and abilities, and he'd think that a more open approach and mindset would be present here. Not like the closed mindedness he's found in his own kind.]

Everyone's got some way they can contribute. Strength and combat doesn't mean everything.

[His ears relax, and tail even twitches a little in satisfaction. Sora might have shocked him by being overly friendly, but it's awfully nice to find someone that isn't afraid of him and shares similar opinions.

Except for that last part. Here it is, being put on a pedestal.] I... doubt anyone is. I, uh... haven't really been to a place like this before...

Sometimes people think about it, but...it's still tradition. [A shrug.] But it's something people need a little nudge on every now and then.

[There's another curious blink.] ...I always kinda thought dragons were naturally stronger. [At least he sounds embarrassed.] Even without the kind of training we have.

[There's a very quiet and small smile that blooms on his face. That absolutely is something he can agree upon.

At least until he starts looking awkward, pointed ears going sideways as he let's out a soft sigh.] You... wouldn't be the first to think that... and you're not going to be the last.

I guess they are, and they consider themselves to be that way too. But it still never hurts to learn new things or train.

[Riku, you're talking as if you're not a dragon yourself.]</small{

[...on the bright side, Sora's been around Kairi long enough to at least pick up on when things slip up.]

You really don't like thinking about that kind of thing, do you?

[A paw clenches into a fist as Riku looks down. This kid is nice but... he's not sure he can just open up at the first creature he meets.

After a quiet moment.]

...It's nothing.

[Nothing but a little bit of self-hatred.]

...if you say so. [He knows when to leave something alone. Class is about to start, but he doesn't feel like leaving things on that note either.]

Wait for us after class is over? We'll walk you to your next one.

[There's something like regret brewing in him. The fact that he actually heavily dislikes his own kind isn't something that Riku is ready to discuss, least of all with a kid he just met. But he still isn't happy to leave it at just that.]

...Yeah. sure. [He nods and tries to smile and be friendly.]

Cool. [And he leaps off the desk to head back to his own, not quite moving as fast as he could.] Kairi will know where your next classes are better than I would. So she'll be a big help.

Okay. [His eyes flicker over to the girl in question before slowly nodding at the cat boy.]

...Thanks, Sora.

[The cat eyes blink slowly, head tilting curiously as he debates what to ask next.]

Sure...but what are you thanking me for? [Being nice is just kind of a normal instinct.]

[He stalls before responding. "For not being afraid of me." "For being nice and cool."]

For... showing me something different.

[Smooth, Riku. Smooth.]

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Unite my states and hyper stimulate everything, especially my human heart feels safe

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