Second Petal | Video | UN: ClickClickBloom

[onekindsoul]

Hey there!

Ruby Rose here. If it's your first time seeing me around then it's nice to meet you and if it's not it's probably great to see you again!

So it turns out that this place is about as dangerous as the dream was. That kind of sucks, doesn't it? I mean- I'm used to all kinds of monsters in my original world but I totally get that it's not everyone's jam. which is kind of why I'm here today.

Back in the dream Mako and Wu had set up a safe house and supply cache system. I think it worked out really well and I've been speaking with Mako and we've agreed it might be a good idea to get that going again. I tried to convince him to get up on video with me but he got all grumbly and walked away. Introverts, am I right?

Ideally it would be super great to get one of these set up in each district but I figure that's going to take a lot of work. So I propose we set up the first one in either the Willful Machine or Cellar Door districts so it's in a central location and we can branch out from there.

Next we're going to need ways to defend and protect the area whether it's people actually actively hanging around, magical protection or whatever cool skills people might have. I'm open to any ideas here. Medical care and any sort of food or other supplies are also going to be necessary too.

Okay I think that's about everything-

[There's a buzz that comes from Ruby's Omni and she glances down at it.]

Oh-Oh! One second- It's Mako.

He's saying "We need to tie this into the network. Ask about extra lamp skeletons." Okay! First off! Rude. They're Cute Little Lamp Friends, don't call them skeletons.

But he's got a point! If anyone has any extra C.L.L.F's to lend that would be a huge help too. Being able to quickly access the locations would be a huge help.

Anyways that's all I can think of at the moment. If anyone has any questions or suggestions I'd be happy to answer them.

Since you're listening to this Mako, you can too!

[She points to her eyes, then back to the camera.]

Watching you.

[OOC: Ruby and Mako will be responding to this post. I've made a handy dandy page for the safe houses here. If you want you can post with how you're character is contributing there.]

Comments

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[arclightning]

[ Mako snorts as she finally turns off the feed, looking up from his own Omni with a raised brow. ]

I don't know what to tell you. They're skeletons. Calling them Cute Little Lamp Friends is just hiding the truth.

Nice job. You think anyone'll bite?

[onekindsoul]

[Ruby gives a shrug.]

Look- They're cuddly and they really rock a hat, boots and skirt if you give it to them. It's not totally inaccurate.

[She takes a moment to think, tapping her chin in thought.]

I think so- I mean people were all for it in the dream, right? I think now that we know what this place is like more people will be willing to help out.

It might take some time to really get going. If people are dealing with weird power switch ups or trying to get established here first.

action... Whenever

[justoscar]

[the idea had been brilliant before-- and Oscar was beaming before he realized it when Ruby announced over the network that she and Mako were going to install the safehouses and supply caches again.]

Cute Little Lamp Friends is a great name for them!

[He chirped, nudging the door open with a foot and a warm baked apple carried in a bowl in his hands. Ruby was always game to eat whatever he cooked, and the changing seasons had put him in the mood for something cozy.

The nickname made him think of their absent teammates-- Nora had right away dubbed Oscar a 'Little Cute Boy', and her brand of bubbly was always a relief in hard times.

He just hoped that times didn't get too hard in Trench.]

I've still got my little guy if you need them. It's hard figuring out where to put them.

text - UN: IceCream

[threelayers]

Fire boy's not an idiot, I'll give him that.

I haven't used my lantern yet, and the moaning's starting to get irritating.
I'm going to be honest and admit that, since I live in Gaze where you guys can keep tabs on me?
I'll probably just use your house's "Lamp Buddies" for my teleporting point.
It's only a few blocks away.

So, I've got one lamp that can add one of these to the network.
But mention to him that we should have at least one or two off of the network.
In case that goes sideways one month.

voice; UN: stanford

[cryptograms]

This is an excellent idea, Ruby! I'm afraid I don't have a spare lamp creature to offer you, though I am trying to puzzle out some manner of teleporation spell.

In the meantime, I can set up some wards that can protect the safehouse from certain creatures.

text; un:mako

[arclightning]

...thanks?

You're not wrong about keeping some off the network just in case. We'll build up the primary network first and then provide maps for the ones not easily accessible.

[onekindsoul]

He's not! He's a pretty bright guy.
Get it? Because of the fire.

I'm not really keen on keeping tabs on what you're doing.
We've done that once already and it was a freaky deeky creepy.

But you're more than welcome to use our lamps if you're going to donate yours.

[onekindsoul]

I know, right? Way better then skeletons- I mean they could be Silly Skelly's that's not bad.

[She pats a seat beside her for him to join. Her silver eye goes wide at the sight of food.]

That would be great! I feel like we're going to be needing a bunch if we do end up branching out to other districts too.

video; un: wulala

[royalfling]

I'm so glad you're keeping this going, Ruby! And Mako, of course. Boy, you really couldn't even get him to show his face? You know the trick?

[ Wu leans in a little with a teasing grin and lowers his voice ]

Just pretend you can't do it yourself, and that you need his help, and he'll do it, no matter what.

[ He puts a finger to his lips and winks at her ]

If you need anything, you just let me know! A whole stack of antlers were in the Raccoon Room when we got here, but I'm sure Mako already has those on his list.

[threelayers]

What can I say?
I am the queen of faint praise.

That's a good starting point.
On Network, then off, and if we can pull it off then 1-2 off map even.
In case something gets compromised.

I may be prone to paranoia.

[threelayers]

With puns like that, you'd do your father proud.

Honestly? My apartment being where it is more for your uncle's sake.
I don't really think you need to keep tabs on me, and the last thing I need to do is the same.
But for the old man's peace of mind, I want him to know where I live.
And if I go nuts? I trust him to be a little better than Oscar at knocking me out.

[justoscar]

[That made him laugh.]

Silly Skellys is a good name! But, I think I like the first one better.

[He passed off the apple, noticing that hungry gaze and glad to be able to supply something for it. With October looming, they needed to hold onto all the nice moments that they could. There was no telling what the turning calendar would bring.]

With how big this place is, you probably will end up branching out. This is gonna make keeping track of supplies a Thing.

Did you need any help with the canning and preserving again? We could keep a stock of seeds in the caches too, just in case something happens.

[Although they were fine at that moment, worries about food supplies lingered. After the last few months living on preserved goods and what remained undamaged in the stores while the dream collapsed, Oscar wanted to be Ready in case that happened again ]

video; un: ushiromiya

[entreats]

.. Ruby, please be gentle on Mako in public. [ Please. She loves you, girl, but she's got to stick up for fellow members of the introverts club over here too!

Thankfully that's not Ange's only contribution though. Despite her feeling that part is also very important, okay. ]

But even though I don't think I can make any actual magical protection at this point, I could send some butterflies to the safehouses. They can work as a pretty accurate alarm system, in case any magical protection that is present gets breached.

text, un: Hino

[incandescentfaith]

My wards appear to be as strong as ever, here, so I can add them to the safe houses. As I have my own, here.

I'd intended to turn my garage into a storehouse as well, if you want another place to store supplies. I don't have need of the space, as my car did not come with me.

[onekindsoul]

I mean, I'm just repurposing an old idea. Why fix what's not broken, am I right?

That's totally fine! Using them to figure out how to teleport sounds super important too- So keep at it.

...Unless you're doing like crazy unethical experiments on them. Then maybe reconsider?

[Cue a laugh here.]

Wards would be great- I figure stacking up a few different kinds is probably the best way to go.

[onekindsoul]

I have to give you credit for starting it originally! It turned out well the last time, right? One good turn deserves another am I right?

Oh? There's a secret.

[She leans in and puts her ear closer to the Omni. She let's out a little gasp at the revelation.]

Oh my gosh. It's just like with Ange- I never would have guessed.

I'll keep you posted! Mako has mentioned the Antlers. I wouldn't mind testing them out and making sure they work like they did back in Deerington before I take anymore off you. But I'm sure we can arrange that.

Word of mouth would be great. If you see anyone in any sort of trouble or is able to help and doesn't know what to do with themselves. Send 'em my way.

[onekindsoul]

Fine, Fine! You're right- I should go easy on him. His poker face has nothing on yours!

[Don't worry Ange, she's just going to change targets here.

But she does get a little more focused from here.]

Oh- That's a good idea. You know? We could probably get our Omens to keep an eye in the sky too? They obviously can't be doing it twenty four seven but it's something when things get weird.

And I have to say you've been getting so much better with your magic lately- You're going to be doing awesome things in no time. Butterflies are perfect for now!

[onekindsoul]

Oooooh! That would honestly be great. Yeah. You said some of your powers were super charged here, right? I'm guessing he wards are one of 'em?

If you'll lend us your garage that would be great! What district are you in? I'll be sure to make note of it.

...That's a shame about the car. How else are you supposed to take Winter out for romantic rides at sunset?

video; un: theycallmehuntress

[crossbow_killer]

Hey, Ruby. Glad to see you made it over here, too.

The supply chain idea sounds like a good one. Even if this place weren't crawling with dangers, it'd be good to have a system for resources in place all the same. And since it is crawling with dangers -- well, even better.

[incandescentfaith]

Not supercharged. But definitely not weakened like Mars was.

I'm in Crenshaw. My house appeared there.

And is it? We can walk. Or fly. That's far more interesting.

And in all seriousness, why are you so interested in our love life?

[onekindsoul]

Seems like a weird trade off but it’s definitely helpful in this case.

Oh, neat! I don’t have my OG house but I’ve been staying at Ozpin’s with Oscar and Ange.

I guess? Okay. Point taken- flying is way cooler. It’s not like I can drive anyways.

Honestly? Two reasons. Maybe three depending on how you count them. First off Winter is like my best friends sister so I’m really happy to see her happy. You’ve saved my life and fought beside me enough times that you’re kind of a part of the team anyways. So for the same reason I like to see you happy. And like- I know it bugs you guys too, so I might as well keep it going? You know?

[incandescentfaith]

It is what it is.

Well, I appreciate that you value me, and that you value her happiness.

Just don't expect any lurid stories. You'll be disappointed.

[onekindsoul]

Helena, It's great to see you too.
How've you been doing

That's what I was thinking- The people here seem a bit more prepared for it? And it's kind of nice that they're not totally against us here either.

But we don't know if that'll change or what this place is capable of either. And I think focusing some efforts into being able to protect each other in a pinch is pretty important too.

Can I count on you to provide some protection detail? Or anything else?

[entreats]

Come on, now you're just flattering me. [ Because Ruby is very biased when it comes to her. And Ange knows it, okay. ] It'd be a whole lot better if I could actually cast something over those places to keep them entirely safe, rather than just alerting people something strange is going on with tiny butterflies.

[ She sighs. ]

But considering I can't make anything larger than Zwei yet, I don't think that's going to be within my abilities anytime soon.

Video; UN: Cuddlebunny

[lightthedarkness]

I can offer my home as a safe house? I'm... also in Cellar Door though, so if that's not going to work, I understand. We have lots and lots of space, honestly. Not... as much as Wu's place, but not bad.