WARNING: This is a terribly long post. It's basically the parallel of most of CCC's stories besides the newest one.
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NODIN
Though the days have passed, the uneasiness in my stomach continues to pester me. I have yet to find all of the answers to my questions, and the lack of clues and data to direct my search is almost unbearable. However, I've been able to satisfy my mind by thinking about another...issue (due to the lack of a better word) that seems to be common throughout the MCC - relationships.
I’ve yet to gain a comfortable understanding on the concept despite the various subjects I can study from, and I fear that I am wasting the precious gift the MCC unmindfully gave to me. So I decided to study the romantic antics of the MCC to take my mind off of my recent worries.
Currently I was observing Violett court Solana, which left me very confused. “Girl, I want to share a bottle of coconut-scented conditioner with you. You know, in a romantic way. But not a creepy way...” she said loudly. It sounded like a confession...I think...but there was no feeling in it. Not only that, but Violett said it with such confidence. Usually there's some sign of hesitation or shyness. It wasn't until Violett said something to Keefer, causing him to stomp off, that I realized that he was the one that was attracted to the cloud nymph. But wait, then why was Violett trying to appeal to Solana and not Keefer? Maybe Keefer asked her to say that to her? No, that's too out of character for him. But people do strange things for the ones they "like". Why did they want to share shampoo? Was he inviting her to take a shower with him? Weird. And why was it coconut scented? Does Keefer smell like coconuts? I will have to check. Maybe he found out that Solana uses the same shampoo and jumped at the fact that they have something in common. Hmm I use Johnson's baby shampoo...I wonder if anyone uses that. Babies smell very clean. Not only that but the shampoo comes in big bottles so I don't have to go to the store that often. What shampoo does Violett use? Her hair looks soft...but now that I think about it, all girls’ hair looks soft. Men's look more...unkept...sometimes. Wait does my hair look okay? Do people like my hair? What if it looks unkept? I shower everyday. Is it soft? I want to touch my head, but that might look awkward. What if I just rub my head and someone is watching? They will think, "Why was Nodin touching his head? Is it hurting? Maybe he is scratching. Maybe he has lice." I’m clean! I don't want other people thinking I have lice. I'll just check my hair late--
“Hey Mr. Sick," Violett's voice quickly drew my attention, "you’re mute by choice, yes?”
Oh yes. I don't like talking. I don't want to risk any of my breath to come out. It's much safer to breathe through my nose. Not only that, but I think clearer when I'm not focusing on words to say...I’m not very good at communicating. You never know when what you say might offend someone. I’ve observed that people change their diction depending on whom they’re speaking with. Once I noticed this joke going around the café I use to go to. I noticed a man hanging with a group of males having a casual hang out. One man said “My wife still misses me, but her aim is getting better!” I didn’t get the joke, but the men began laughing. A few days later, I saw one the men from the group with a girl. He told the same joke, and she didn’t laugh.
“I mean-- it’s your choice"
Wait was she still talking to me? Before I could ask her to repeat what she said, Violett turned around to the call of her name. She had received a package. “Sweeping squabblestacks! A package for me?! WAIT-- IS IT A BOMB?”
In her excitement, she rushed to Karin, dragging me along. It was hard to believe such a small girl could toss me about like she did. I have to remember to cherish the short moments where she is completely calm and mature. Not that I mind her outbursts of effervescency. It's nice to be around someone with such liveliness to help brighten the day.
As soon as she had the package in hand, she waltzed over to the couch to open it. How in the world did a package get here? I thought the mansion was suppose to be well hidden, so how would someone know the address? If one person knows where we are, why not more? The XL scientists are enough trouble, but if we get a human in here...things could turn out much worse. Police and the media would get involved. Maybe XL copycats will pop up and try to experiment on others as well.
Something clicked in my head when I started thinking about a human discovering the MCC, but I dismissed the idea when I noticed the worried look on Karin's face. Perhaps she had the same fear I did. I gestured towards Violett and started walking towards her; Karin understood my intentions and she followed me so we could see what was inside the package.
The package was from Violett's sister, and it included a letter that Violett read out loud. My attention focused when Violett said, "it was an absolute pain to triangulate your location, though". With my cell phone with the XL tracker missing, perhaps I could learn how to "triangulate locations". Akira gave all MCC members cellphones, perhaps I could use that to design a new tracking device...one XL can't access. Of course someone else would be needed to actually make it. I'm not an engineer.
I returned to reality once Karin asked where Locke was, and signs of anxiety were shown clearly through Violett's body language and the stumbling of her words. I was so busy observing her, I realized I wasn't really listening to what she was saying until her last words, "Locke was abducted and it’s all my fault!” My first thoughts were mostly made up of confusion, since Violett pulled me so close, and I wasn't sure on what to do. However, they were soon overridden by my concern for Locke. Abducted? When? Where? How? He probably would've been by himself, but then how would Violett know about it? And why did she not bring it up until now? Was it really her fault that he's gone? No, not at all, she's not that kind of person. One would think the obvious culprit would be the scientists, but I doubt it was Xenogenesis. Why would they only take one person?
"IT COULD HAVE BEEN THOSE FAT LAB COAT GUYS?!" Violett's shrill squeal startled me so much that I lost my balance, but after a quick glance around I realized that no one had that wide eyed arched eyebrow look that I usually see when Violett makes a scene. Am I really hearing her, or am I imagining things? I think someone did mention an incident when she’d read someone else’s mind. So, Violett could be telepathic... wait! She had even mentioned that before Karin gave her a package sent from her sister, who lives in California. I wonder if her sister is also a changeling. No, that doesn’t make any sense.
I am telepathic! I mean-- sorry, I’m sorry! Could you please forgive me?
Oh! An apology! Wait, how should I answer that? ‘I forgive you’? ‘Don’t worry about it’?
Either one would work. Auugh! I did it again! Sorry, I’ll stop! It’s just-- you think so loud!
I think loud? Is that bad? I'm sorry! I'm sorry!
No no don't be sorry! I--gah I keep doing it! I'll leave now!
No please it's fine! I don't mind you reading my mind. It actually might make communication a lot easier.
"Uhm...are you guys okay?" Karin said awkwardly. I realized, as well as Violett, that to the others, we had just been staring at each other blankly. Violett quickly let go. "Yeah we're fine!" she said as I nodded. Karin continued to give us a confused look, but thankfully Violett came up with a plan to get us out of the situation. "HEY MR.SICK LET'S GO ON AN ADVENTURE."
Before I knew it, she grabbed my hand and pulled me so hard that I fell over, but she continued to drag me up the stairs. In her excitement of being able to understand me, she was talking at an uncontrollable speed of all the things we could do as "BFFs", and I don't think she noticed me struggling. Her strength continues to surprise me. As soon as we were out of sight, she let go of my hand to open the box. I was able to stand up before she noticed I was on the floor, and she soon handed me a large stuffed bunny. It's been proven scientifically that the more round and un-proportional something is, the cuter it is, and this was by far the roundest and unproportionalist bunny I've ever seen. Its large beady eyes were only a fraction of the size of its head, and its ears were as long as whole body. It's soft fur made me want to...cuddle. I'm not exactly sure how to explain it. The bunny's overwhelming cuteness gave me the desire to hug it. However, the sport of hugging was still unfamiliar with me. I remembered that whenever Violett hugged someone, her head would be against their chest. My face was soon engulfed by the bunny's fur. Mr. Bunny is good at giving hugs. I wonder if he likes my hugs.
"Bro?" Violett's voice startled me. Was she talking this whole time?
"I have to put this stuff in my and Locke's room... ya know, I have a lot more stuffed animals..."
...Really?
"Yeah, lots!" I wasn't sure exactly what she was doing at first. It seemed like she was dancing, the way she moved her hands. "This much, but more!"
... Can I please see them?
"Of course!"
She grabbed my hand, and I braced myself to be dragged around the house again, but Griffin appeared and Violett began shouting at him. I felt a bit awkward. Should I interfere? Perhaps not. Besides, I know nothing in what they're arguing about.
In the end, didn't pay much attention to their bickering. In all honesty, I was much more interested on what kind of stuffed animals Violett had. Were they all bunnies? Or were they different species? What colors were they? How big were they? Where did they come from? Did she have them when she move in or did she buy them while she was here? It would be a lot of trouble to move a whole collection of stuff animals. Toys take up a lot of space. I wonder if she has a stuffed animal dressed up as an astronaut. I think that'd be cute. I don't think any bunnies or bears have been to space. Only monkeys. Does she have any monkey stuffed animals? She doesn't seem like a monkey person. I like proboscis monkeys. They have big noses.
"How's Nodin doing?" Griffin's question caught me off guard, thus causing my thoughts to jumble. A quick thinker doesn't always mean a clear thinker. Suddenly, Violett shouted, "I'M NOT YOUR MESSENGER!" Afraid that she might yell at me too, I ended up not doing anything. Instead, I tried remembering what Violett and I were going to do before Griffin showed up. She said she wanted to show me something, but I forgot what it was. Maybe that means it'll be something I like as well...but do we have the same interests? Most of my life has been composed of cleaning and observing people. I hope she doesn't have people in her room. Perhaps cleaning supplies?
"So, you like cute stuff, Mr. Sick?"
Oh that's right, we're going to see her toys. I nodded. We arrived to her room, and as she opened the door, I walked over to the pile of stuffed animals and fell on top of it. I could take a very nice nap here. It's softer than my bed. I took a deep breath as I relaxed. The scent of coconuts tickled my senses. Wait a minute... Coconuts! So Violett was trying to offer Solana some of her conditioner. Hmm…would Mr. Bunny smell like Camilla? Maybe her sister smells like cashews or peanuts. I sat up and newly arrived bunny once again met my face. I was greeted by a foul...but familiar hospital smell. What in the world? Suddenly a piercing headache entered my skull. Something about Xenogenisis.... Camilla...Camilla...that name, I’ve heard of it before, before I met Violett…I fought through the headache, trying to grasp my memory. Something inside told me I've been through worse. This headache was nothing. Camilla...Camilla...Violett's profile! It said her sister got sick and died! But if that's the case, then how did she...wait a minute...the scars.... the change in appearances...my phone...the notebook...ARGH! Why can't I remember?! The pain in my head subsided. It wouldn't let me pry further. There's something wrong here...but if I let anyone know about this, we'll be in big trouble. XL is probably watching us right now...I need to stay calm. Violett could read my mind any second now...wait a minute, why hasn't she been reading my mind? I looked up to see that Locke had entered the room and she had been talking to him. What a relief.
"Nodin, would you like Chinese food too? It's on me." Violett turned around. Oh dear. It's been a while since I've ordered something from a Chinese restaurant. Sushi? wait that's Japanese...Pho? not that Vietnamese...what about that thing with chicken and noodles and rice... I think that's Chinese. But that's a bit broad...wait a minute, what am I doing? I don't want Locke to pay for my dinner that'd be rude of me! I am a bit hungry though...how would I pay him back?
"He's not sure if he wants to accept your offer, but he likes chicken lo mien, I think."
Ah yes that's what it's called. I got up from the pile of stuffed animals after realizing how strange it'd be to eat chicken lo mien while lying down with them.
Is it okay if I go with Locke?
I looked up at Violett and nodded. I know you were worried about him. Go spend some time together.
I made my way to the doorway and waved goodbye to Locke. He was fidgeting and he seemed extremely anxious. I looked to Violett and she didn't seem worried, so I decided to let it go. I wanted to thank Violett for today, but how? Violett always hugs me. How do I do it again? Do I put my arms under her arms? That's what she does, but I'm much taller. I tried to ask Violett for some assistance by moving my arms around her. I put my arms down. I guess she doesn't want to touch me. She probably doesn't like me anymore because I hugged all of her stuffed animals and didn't let her hug them too. Why did I think of that before? How rude of--
Suddenly her arms were around me. She squeezed so tight I had trouble breathing...but I didn't mind.
As Locke and I exited the room, I noticed something...off. He was limping slightly, and I think I saw some dark stains on his pants, but I wasn't sure if they were really there or if the lighting was just playing tricks on me. I looked on his arms and I noticed there was just a little bit of dried blood on his wrist. Blood? Why would that be there? Some places on his arm were also red and dry. I looked away as I turned the hallway. Blood and dry skin...it would make sense since the weather is still quite chilly. My hands get like that when I over wash them, but that doesn't explain the limping. He said he was tired...maybe he was staggering due to exhaustion. Now that I think about it, his eyes have been bloodshot sometimes. Hmm…I did notice the nervous look he had around Violett...or maybe he was just nervous around me. I need to earn his trust. He's been around Violett much longer than I have. Maybe through him, I can get some answers about Camilla. If only I had my phone...wait a minute, what about Akira's laptop? Does she still have that? If I could somehow get the program off of her computer...but even though our dads knew each other, I haven't really interacted with her since I've arrived. Asking for access to her private laptop would surely cause me to get rejected. Not only that, XL could be anywhere. Who knows, maybe they even brainwashed some of the members to attack us. I have to be careful. Only people I can trust right now are Violett and Ela....and maybe even Locke. I looked up, but he wasn't there. Perhaps we separated while I was thinking.
As I entered my room, I was met by my reflection in the full body mirror. I sighed. Look at me. My body is a joke. How do I expect to protect anyone when I'm so...weak. At least everyone has a power to protect themselves. Half of the members have claws. Acacia has thorns. Nai can summon weapons. The vampires have super strength and speed. Bellinda can breathe fire. Even Violett has telekinesis. All I have is this disgusting, foul breath that will hurt everyone around me. I threw my satchel off onto my bed in frustration. The hilt of my dad peeked out from the opening. Taking it into my hand, I gripped it tightly and did a few practice swings. My movements were awkward and embarrassing. Combat is not my biggest strength...then what is? I tossed the dagger onto my bed and looked at my reflection once again. I lifted my bony fingers and touched my neck. My breath is my only power. It's about time I learn how to use it.
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NODIN IS REMEMBERING THINGSSSSSS
Also, I'm aware that Keefer likes Kateri, silly Nodin just isn't always right. XD
And Gravity Falls reference anyone? :D
So like, I have OCD like Nodin and my wrist started bleeding a little during school 'cause my skin was so dry from washing my hands lololololol. Vi should give Nodin some scented lotion so he smells like flowers jk don't do that it burns
Thanks to CCC for helping me write this<3 I really appreciate it. :)
By the way, I want to play off MashMadness' Ela's Brother story but no one else has so I'm a little confused...SOMEONE PM ME AN EXPLAIN PLEASE? Thanks~
PS. I don't exactly know how Nodin is going to get his breath under control lolololol
