[ up the final steps, they've reached the next floor and the extra rooms are visible before them at different sides. considering the type of complex this is, it does seem annoying to have so many rooms like this available that splits off to too many different locations. it's perfect for a horror setting, though. making his way to the door across from caelus, he reaches for the doorknob to turn it slow and pushes it forward.
there's no resistance so he uses this as an opportunity to swing it open entirely, little light comes into the room because of what covers the windows. inside, it's nothing but a room filled with boxes and other things. opening one, agent grapes assess the contents inside which are picture frames, some cracked, and others in good condition aside from being dusty. he moves onto another box, he can see that along the seal there's a fungal trail that keeps the box shut, and so he pushes that to the side.
if some of these boxes are fine then it should be okay to look inside, he'll have to be mindful.
using his weapon, soleum cuts along the top of a few more to see, and if there's anything useful (rarely is). from what he finds, everything is either covered over, and nothing he thinks will find use. in another box with the words medicine written on the side, he finds various pill bottles of all kinds, but each one empty with nothing inside which makes has him realize it was to keep track of what this family probably had. unfortunate, even as he looks at what they were used for, he can tell by the dates that whoever was holding onto them must have been keeping up with the medical records for why they're even here. even the paperwork is stuffed to the side.
it's something he should have expected.
he finds nothing of substance here, and getting back to his feet, he leaves the room and his soft voice calls out. ]
[ Currently, Caelus is checking the master bedroom of the unit he's in. Since he doesn't want Grapes to worry, he responds, quietly but audible enough to be heard in the hallway— ]
Just a minute. I'm still looking.
[ He says as he's looking through the multiple cabinets around the large room. There are plenty of useful items for an Artificer here. Mundane objects that most people wouldn't care about, but their value is different for someone who sees even actual trash as riches. However, since that's not the purpose of today's search, he ignores every irrelevant item and focuses on trying to search for something for Grapes to use.
There has to be at least one thing here somewhere. Unfortunately, when he finally finds where the blankets are kept, they're all torn apart. Either by mold or by Host animals. He gives up on blankets and looks for the next alternatives. More shuffling around. A few minutes pass.
Eventually, Caelus leaves that unit and returns to Grapes. He holds up… a really unfashionable grandma's sweater. It looks ugly! But hey, it's intact!! And it's good enough to keep warm! ]
[ what caelus comes out with is realistic, it's unfashionable because it has little items hanging off in yarn. one of those classic christmas sweaters, but not entirely holiday but someone's grandmother was feeling very excitable about the concept of knitting it. he smiles sheepishly, then lifts his hands to deny the offer. ]
Thank you... really, I wouldn't have found it without you.
[ true, but he doesn't want it at all, especially when he looks it over again, his tastes aren't so profound to look like this. this seems more up caelus' alley than his own, and not to seem ungrateful, he does walk over with a tilt of his head to show appreciation. it's not like it won't work, but between a shirt and a blanket, he finds that the blanket allows for him to keep what he already has on. if he tears or rips anything, it'd be what's on him and if something happens to the sweater than he loses out on warmth.
a blanket has more to offer. ]
But... I'm determined now to find that blanket. [ taking the sweater so that he can fold it into his arms, ] Did you find anything for yourself?
[ Ah. Caelus sees that! Grapes is being too polite to say it, but Caelus can tell that the older man doesn't want to wear it at all. That's unexpected, considering resources are hard to come by in this place. The trailblazer expected the man not to be picky. At the same time, he supposes he gets it. The sweater's not attractive at all! It's probably going to embarrass most people to be seen in this thing!
Caelus is about to put it away, but then Grapes decides to accept it either way. The trailblazer smiles shortly after. ]
There are still other units here. Let's check more of them.
[ At least one of these apartments has to have a blanket, right?? Come on now. How mean could Sleep be? … Actually, super mean and Caelus knows it. The possibility of all the blankets here being torn beyond repair is very possible. Maybe Sleep is forcing Grapes to wear that sweater! (Start praying to win that RNG, Grapes.) ]
I did, but I didn't want to encumber myself with it for now. I want to find a blanket for you first.
[ he would rather just set it down somewhere and act like he forgot to pick it up, that outcome becomes more appealing as they move forward. with it against his chest, and the weapon tightly in his hand, he follows right behind caelus. ]
You don't have to do that.
[ he speaks up, reassuring the other about what their goals and focus should be. caelus needs those items to survive, and what does agent grapes need? a simple blanket. their reasons for coming here were the same, but when there are visible benefits, why not take it? ]
I can look for a blanket while you get what's important for you...
[ there's part of him that would feel bad if he allowed caelus to leave emptyhanded. ]
Ahaha… It's all right, really. They're not important, just crafting materials that I want. I can always come back for them later, now that I know where they are.
[ Unless they're a fellow Artificer or engineer, Caelus can't see anyone else wanting those things, so it's not like anyone will take them. Well, even if they did take them, he doesn't really mind. There are still endless other places to loot in this gigantic abandoned city.
Originally, Caelus came around this area to find materials. He only got sidetracked after meeting Grapes, but he likes this much better. He always enjoys the company of people. Though, to reassure Grapes, Caelus decides to say this— ]
It's okay. I'm in a rather good position because I've been here for almost half a year. I have a nice place to stay and plenty of stockpiled supplies, so it's not like I'm in desperate need of anything right now. My friends and I diligently hunt for supplies on a nearly daily basis, so we've accumulated quite a collection.
[ Since Grapes is following Caelus around now, they both enter the next apartment unit together. This one… isn't so lucky with its condition. The ceiling caved in, so a large portion of the living room is inaccessible. They'll have to check the other rooms of this unit instead.
Caelus feels disappointed to see potentially useful items already in pieces. ]
[ he speaks aloud, a shake in his voice as he looks to caelus— as roe deer, he said he would get them out, and as agent grapes that still holds true. the reason why it does is because of the profession that comes with this character he plays. ]
As soon as we're able to get in contact with other agents, maybe... the escape will be easier. I know there are people who are worried that want you home.
[ he understands now why agent choi asked soleum to request help then they were in cathedral, and now soleum feels the same way. if there was someone who appeared then went back, wouldn't they be able to explain what's going on, find something in relation to this disaster and get them out.
at this point, kim soleum wouldn't mind if director ho was the one to get them out.
he looks at the mutilated room, the ceiling that's caved it in, and various items that he sees as trash now and not as useful due to his own desires until he notices a pen in the corner. the creaky floor holds his weight, and kneeling down to stick his hand in the room will he grab it. it's not a big haul, but it's useful, the pen is something he puts away in his pocket. ]
Not completely a waste. Thank you.
[ it's a pen, but it's more than what he had at the start. stepping away from the entrance so he can close the door, he points to another door adjacent to the one they're at. the door has a few cracks in it from where fungi have broke through the wood, and while that doesn't bode well from what's inside... they're not, or maybe caelus is and agent grapes isn't, allowed to pass up on what could be inside. ]
[ That is, the Astral Express and many others are likely worried sick about him by now, assuming there is no time difference between the relevant places. Since they're unable to do anything for now, this is what he can hope for at the very least. ]
I'm hoping there's a major time difference between this place and my universe, though. I really don't want them to worry, considering I don't know how much longer we'll all be stuck here…
[ Some risks are unavoidable in a place like this. Caelus isn't going to avoid every sign of danger, even though it's safest that way. However, if they always play it safe, they'll also keep missing important opportunities. That's why the trailblazer easily agrees. If Grapes is fine with it, then so is he. He'll only reconsider if his company is averse to it. ]
Hehe, and I was only referring to the ones I won't be able to recycle. I can still make use of certain materials in here. But that's for another day, as I said. Meanwhile, I'm glad you found something nice.
[ He makes casual chat as they proceed, since silence will only make the moment more tense. He'll only quiet down if it's necessary. When they reach the fungi-leaded door, he lowers his knees a little so he can try peeking through one of the larger cracks. There's no suspicious scent coming out of the room, at least, so it's hopefully fine to enter. ]
It doesn't look jammed. Maybe we can still open this door.
[ that shaky voice of his is to give off a more gentler approach than one that would appear like he's correcting him. the idea of a major time gap would be terrifying, imagine all the things that would have changed if this world moves slower and theirs faster? he understands caelus wants this world to be faster and their worlds slower, but that's rarely ever the case when they're forcibly ripped against their will.
it would have to be a kinder entity for that, and with sleep still having control, who knows. ]
Let's hope for no movement at all, that we go right back to where we were before all this happened...
[ when they finally leave, what will be waiting for them out there, who will know them? will they still be recognizable or... he can only hope, but he doesn't let his worries diminish his beliefs either. his hand tightens around the dagger as he thinks about what's at stake. his head raises up like an alert deer in vibrant white headlights at caelus' comment.
did he find something nice? the pen? sure, the pen, it's something, and the dagger is too. two things he seemingly doesn't want to part with now that he has them. ]
Y-yeah thanks... do you think I'll find a bike next?
[ it's only a joke as they finally reach the door, and soleum nods at the other's assessment. perfect. ]
Okay. On three, do you want to count for us?
[ no matter how horrible this place is, and even if he finds these characters by him... not real, that doesn't mean he won't help them get out at least. they're all in the same situation. ]
It happened to me before already. I've been trapped by a higher being like this before.
[ Since Grapes mentions about personal experience, Caelus shares his own. And this is the reason why he's been hoping for it to be the case again. ]
I was stuck on a certain planet for years because of it, all without outside contact, because that same entity had blocked my means of communication. When I eventually did regain a means to, I found out that barely any time passed for them, even though it's been years for me.
In addition, I have a friend from my universe who arrived here earlier than I did. Our timelines didn't match when we spoke of it, so at least in the case of my universe, something is already different.
[ Besides, it's not like Sleep created this world. She just hijacked it, deciding to make it her own, and threw everyone else in the fire with her destructive wishes. Anyway, after laughing at Grape's attempt at humor (that was cute), Caelus focuses, so he stops talking for now. Since they're about to open a potentially dangerous door, he puts his guard up and is ready to take action if anything leaps out at them. ]
Mm… All right.
[ Then, he starts counting. One. Two. And by three, the two of them step forward at the same time, pushing the door open together. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rolled for medicine luck: 3
there's no resistance so he uses this as an opportunity to swing it open entirely, little light comes into the room because of what covers the windows. inside, it's nothing but a room filled with boxes and other things. opening one, agent grapes assess the contents inside which are picture frames, some cracked, and others in good condition aside from being dusty. he moves onto another box, he can see that along the seal there's a fungal trail that keeps the box shut, and so he pushes that to the side.
if some of these boxes are fine then it should be okay to look inside, he'll have to be mindful.
using his weapon, soleum cuts along the top of a few more to see, and if there's anything useful (rarely is). from what he finds, everything is either covered over, and nothing he thinks will find use. in another box with the words medicine written on the side, he finds various pill bottles of all kinds, but each one empty with nothing inside which makes has him realize it was to keep track of what this family probably had. unfortunate, even as he looks at what they were used for, he can tell by the dates that whoever was holding onto them must have been keeping up with the medical records for why they're even here. even the paperwork is stuffed to the side.
it's something he should have expected.
he finds nothing of substance here, and getting back to his feet, he leaves the room and his soft voice calls out. ]
Um... anything in your room?
no subject
Just a minute. I'm still looking.
[ He says as he's looking through the multiple cabinets around the large room. There are plenty of useful items for an Artificer here. Mundane objects that most people wouldn't care about, but their value is different for someone who sees even actual trash as riches. However, since that's not the purpose of today's search, he ignores every irrelevant item and focuses on trying to search for something for Grapes to use.
There has to be at least one thing here somewhere. Unfortunately, when he finally finds where the blankets are kept, they're all torn apart. Either by mold or by Host animals. He gives up on blankets and looks for the next alternatives. More shuffling around. A few minutes pass.
Eventually, Caelus leaves that unit and returns to Grapes. He holds up… a really unfashionable grandma's sweater. It looks ugly! But hey, it's intact!! And it's good enough to keep warm! ]
Here you are, Mr. Grapes.
no subject
[ what caelus comes out with is realistic, it's unfashionable because it has little items hanging off in yarn. one of those classic christmas sweaters, but not entirely holiday but someone's grandmother was feeling very excitable about the concept of knitting it. he smiles sheepishly, then lifts his hands to deny the offer. ]
Thank you... really, I wouldn't have found it without you.
[ true, but he doesn't want it at all, especially when he looks it over again, his tastes aren't so profound to look like this. this seems more up caelus' alley than his own, and not to seem ungrateful, he does walk over with a tilt of his head to show appreciation. it's not like it won't work, but between a shirt and a blanket, he finds that the blanket allows for him to keep what he already has on. if he tears or rips anything, it'd be what's on him and if something happens to the sweater than he loses out on warmth.
a blanket has more to offer. ]
But... I'm determined now to find that blanket. [ taking the sweater so that he can fold it into his arms, ] Did you find anything for yourself?
no subject
Caelus is about to put it away, but then Grapes decides to accept it either way. The trailblazer smiles shortly after. ]
There are still other units here. Let's check more of them.
[ At least one of these apartments has to have a blanket, right?? Come on now. How mean could Sleep be? … Actually, super mean and Caelus knows it. The possibility of all the blankets here being torn beyond repair is very possible. Maybe Sleep is forcing Grapes to wear that sweater! (Start praying to win that RNG, Grapes.) ]
I did, but I didn't want to encumber myself with it for now. I want to find a blanket for you first.
no subject
You don't have to do that.
[ he speaks up, reassuring the other about what their goals and focus should be. caelus needs those items to survive, and what does agent grapes need? a simple blanket. their reasons for coming here were the same, but when there are visible benefits, why not take it? ]
I can look for a blanket while you get what's important for you...
[ there's part of him that would feel bad if he allowed caelus to leave emptyhanded. ]
Really, I'm fine so far.
no subject
[ Unless they're a fellow Artificer or engineer, Caelus can't see anyone else wanting those things, so it's not like anyone will take them. Well, even if they did take them, he doesn't really mind. There are still endless other places to loot in this gigantic abandoned city.
Originally, Caelus came around this area to find materials. He only got sidetracked after meeting Grapes, but he likes this much better. He always enjoys the company of people. Though, to reassure Grapes, Caelus decides to say this— ]
It's okay. I'm in a rather good position because I've been here for almost half a year. I have a nice place to stay and plenty of stockpiled supplies, so it's not like I'm in desperate need of anything right now. My friends and I diligently hunt for supplies on a nearly daily basis, so we've accumulated quite a collection.
[ Since Grapes is following Caelus around now, they both enter the next apartment unit together. This one… isn't so lucky with its condition. The ceiling caved in, so a large portion of the living room is inaccessible. They'll have to check the other rooms of this unit instead.
Caelus feels disappointed to see potentially useful items already in pieces. ]
Oh… what a waste.
no subject
[ he speaks aloud, a shake in his voice as he looks to caelus— as roe deer, he said he would get them out, and as agent grapes that still holds true. the reason why it does is because of the profession that comes with this character he plays. ]
As soon as we're able to get in contact with other agents, maybe... the escape will be easier. I know there are people who are worried that want you home.
[ he understands now why agent choi asked soleum to request help then they were in cathedral, and now soleum feels the same way. if there was someone who appeared then went back, wouldn't they be able to explain what's going on, find something in relation to this disaster and get them out.
at this point, kim soleum wouldn't mind if director ho was the one to get them out.
he looks at the mutilated room, the ceiling that's caved it in, and various items that he sees as trash now and not as useful due to his own desires until he notices a pen in the corner. the creaky floor holds his weight, and kneeling down to stick his hand in the room will he grab it. it's not a big haul, but it's useful, the pen is something he puts away in his pocket. ]
Not completely a waste. Thank you.
[ it's a pen, but it's more than what he had at the start. stepping away from the entrance so he can close the door, he points to another door adjacent to the one they're at. the door has a few cracks in it from where fungi have broke through the wood, and while that doesn't bode well from what's inside... they're not, or maybe caelus is and agent grapes isn't, allowed to pass up on what could be inside. ]
Let's try that one.
no subject
[ That is, the Astral Express and many others are likely worried sick about him by now, assuming there is no time difference between the relevant places. Since they're unable to do anything for now, this is what he can hope for at the very least. ]
I'm hoping there's a major time difference between this place and my universe, though. I really don't want them to worry, considering I don't know how much longer we'll all be stuck here…
[ Some risks are unavoidable in a place like this. Caelus isn't going to avoid every sign of danger, even though it's safest that way. However, if they always play it safe, they'll also keep missing important opportunities. That's why the trailblazer easily agrees. If Grapes is fine with it, then so is he. He'll only reconsider if his company is averse to it. ]
Hehe, and I was only referring to the ones I won't be able to recycle. I can still make use of certain materials in here. But that's for another day, as I said. Meanwhile, I'm glad you found something nice.
[ He makes casual chat as they proceed, since silence will only make the moment more tense. He'll only quiet down if it's necessary. When they reach the fungi-leaded door, he lowers his knees a little so he can try peeking through one of the larger cracks. There's no suspicious scent coming out of the room, at least, so it's hopefully fine to enter. ]
It doesn't look jammed. Maybe we can still open this door.
no subject
[ that shaky voice of his is to give off a more gentler approach than one that would appear like he's correcting him. the idea of a major time gap would be terrifying, imagine all the things that would have changed if this world moves slower and theirs faster? he understands caelus wants this world to be faster and their worlds slower, but that's rarely ever the case when they're forcibly ripped against their will.
it would have to be a kinder entity for that, and with sleep still having control, who knows. ]
Let's hope for no movement at all, that we go right back to where we were before all this happened...
[ when they finally leave, what will be waiting for them out there, who will know them? will they still be recognizable or... he can only hope, but he doesn't let his worries diminish his beliefs either. his hand tightens around the dagger as he thinks about what's at stake. his head raises up like an alert deer in vibrant white headlights at caelus' comment.
did he find something nice? the pen? sure, the pen, it's something, and the dagger is too. two things he seemingly doesn't want to part with now that he has them. ]
Y-yeah thanks... do you think I'll find a bike next?
[ it's only a joke as they finally reach the door, and soleum nods at the other's assessment. perfect. ]
Okay. On three, do you want to count for us?
[ no matter how horrible this place is, and even if he finds these characters by him... not real, that doesn't mean he won't help them get out at least. they're all in the same situation. ]
no subject
[ Since Grapes mentions about personal experience, Caelus shares his own. And this is the reason why he's been hoping for it to be the case again. ]
I was stuck on a certain planet for years because of it, all without outside contact, because that same entity had blocked my means of communication. When I eventually did regain a means to, I found out that barely any time passed for them, even though it's been years for me.
In addition, I have a friend from my universe who arrived here earlier than I did. Our timelines didn't match when we spoke of it, so at least in the case of my universe, something is already different.
[ Besides, it's not like Sleep created this world. She just hijacked it, deciding to make it her own, and threw everyone else in the fire with her destructive wishes. Anyway, after laughing at Grape's attempt at humor (that was cute), Caelus focuses, so he stops talking for now. Since they're about to open a potentially dangerous door, he puts his guard up and is ready to take action if anything leaps out at them. ]
Mm… All right.
[ Then, he starts counting. One. Two. And by three, the two of them step forward at the same time, pushing the door open together. ]