New York || Day 1

[imaginationswoes]

[Running is the current plan but it isn't going well. She's constantly getting lost and she's reminded again and again that she's never been out of her small town alone. She misses her family and her friends but more than that she is really missing a warm bed. Her feet continue forward, the tall buildings towering on either side of her. It's impressive, as far as cities go, but its to close together.

To much can go wrong.

She must of made a wrong turn because Airy finds herself walking along a very shady part of town. Winter is setting in but she thinks of warmth and she manages to keep herself heated. She has a backpack around her shoulders and it looks like she's wearing a uniform: white button down, green pleated skirt, black jacket and a matching tie. It's most definitely giving some of the people here the wrong idea.]

Shit.

[Airy whispers softly under her breath, a puff of white leaving her warm lips. When she spots two men pointing towards her she runs. Her feet fly across the street and she's about 75% sure they weren't following her. Mist descends on the area and Airy one again curses under her breath. She's only getting more lost at this rate and running around New York after midnight isn't on her to do list.]

Comments

[charitaslamia]

[The scent of wet paint was sudden, and just as suddenly gone. This girl, Airy her name was, was truly a wonder.]

Not too far. Six blocks. No one parks their car in this neighborhood if they hope for it to stay whole.

[He decides, then, that a distraction from the walk may be in order.]

May I ask you a question?

[imaginationswoes]

[Airy's really doesn't know if she's up for that long of a walk but she doesn't see a way around that so... at least for now... she'll keep her complaints to herself. Her head falls forward and she goes back to trying to think of nothing, which, is really hard.]

Mmm? Yeah. What's up?

[She jogs a little to walk next to him instead of behind him. Her fingers are wrapped around the straps of her backpack. It helps her focus on keeping her backpack in place which manages to distract her for a measurable length of time.]

[charitaslamia]

[Antonio wasn't sure if the girl would be willing to share, but her abilities has piqued his interest beyond a deep concern for her comfort. Once he fixated on something, it was often difficult to divert his attention.]

Is this an ability you inherited, or a spontaneous manifestation?

[imaginationswoes]

[She doesn't really mind answering questions. She's always been open when it comes to things like that but when he finally asks his question she pauses. Airy has absolutely no idea what the answer to that question is.

She pauses and looks up at Antonio with a blank stare.]

I am not really sure. I thought it was spontaneous... not that it's happened to a lot of people but it has to a few in my town and... well... bad stuff happened to most of them. I was able to keep mine hidden for a while but since bad stuff was happening I left. [Hoping it'd protect her family and friends.]

It might be something about my town though or some great great great great relative. I haven't really thought about it.

[It's a little sad to dwell on and Airy isn't used to loss.]

[charitaslamia]

[Curiouser and curiouser. His steps slowed, though he didn't come to a stop.]

You say this power has been manifesting in others from your hometown? The same power?

[imaginationswoes]

[Airy shrugs.]

I don't know. Like I said... strange happenings and then people disappear... [The truth is most were killed but she really doesn't know that for sure. It's the rumors that were going around the town and a lot of people openly suggested to hunt those who were like Airy.]

I knew of 3 besides me and when you live in a town with like a thousand people in it... that's a lot.

[charitaslamia]

[He's had his experiences with small towns and the dangers they pose to people who are different.]

I understand. [There was a weight to his voice that suggested he understood even more than he was saying.]

And where are you from?

[imaginationswoes]

[There is no indication that she detects the depth to his understanding.]

Island Falls, Maine.

[It's a small town which most people don't know about. It's nice though and it had been Airy's home. She knows she can't go back their now and she has no plans too, least she get those she cares about hurt.]

Ever been up that way?

[charitaslamia]

[He gave a gentle shake of his head.] I don't travel often, unless under necessity. [Traveling far and avoiding the sun were difficult.]

Did you come all this way alone?

[imaginationswoes]

Yeah. It's a lot of walking.

[She doesn't really have a destination in mind. Right now she's just walking along the east coast and it's taken weeks to get this far.

She's tried to hold jobs but if her mind wanders... accidents happen. It's hard for Airy to be discrete.]

I've made it this far so I don't think I'm doing to bad.

[charitaslamia]

You've traveled all this way on foot? [His concern is back.] You must be exhausted.

[imaginationswoes]

Yeah. A bit.

[It's really not that big of a deal. The weird part is that it gets warmer as she walks south and then the bouts of cold that come with strange areas. She's already sold her jacket though.]

It's not all that bad.

[charitaslamia]

Don't underestimate the value of a place to call home. [There's a weight to his words, as though he knows very well that meaning.] New ones can be made.

[imaginationswoes]

[Airy suddenly feels a mixture of emotions: nervousness, hope, fear, worry, sadness.]

I can't... it isn't safe... For anyone.

[Her eyes find a spot on the ground to stare at and the grip on her backpack tightens.]

[charitaslamia]

Your panther brought no harm to me.

[He wondered if this belief was born more out of fear than anything.]

Have your creations ever hurt anyone?

[imaginationswoes]

[Airy is about to answer but as she steps down her foot slides away from her. Her torso falls forward and she has to catch herself on her palms before hitting the ground. Beneath them had turned into a thick layer of ice that circle them for about 3 yards.

With a grunt she brings herself to her knees trying not to fall on the slippery surface. In her annoyance she forgets to answer his question.]

Then there is finding people who can put up with this mess. [As determined as Airy is; she really hates the idea of living alone.]

[charitaslamia]

[The sudden loss of traction would have sent Antonio tumbling as well, if he were human. Instinct had him spread his feet in a wider stand and bend his knees to steady himself before that could happen, then he looked to her, frowning.]

This isn't so bad, really. You certainly don't lack for interest. Are you alright?

[imaginationswoes]

[She really hopes that they are close to his car or food or wherever they are going. Airy turns over so she's lying on her back, her backpack propping her shoulders up as strands of brown fan around her.]

I'm fine. I'm also happy to entertain you.

[She smiles though it doesn't reach her eyes.]

I also think you are underestimating how complicated this is.

[It hasn't escaped her notice that he's taking her situation with ease.]

You know... you're cuter from down here. [Weird.]

[charitaslamia]

It was a joke, admittedly in bad taste. [He reached down, offering her a hand in standing.] We aren't far now.

[He shook his head.]

I have another question for you. [But he's cut off by her comment and he laughs.] Am I?

[imaginationswoes]

[Airy gives him a look that suggests that she isn't amused while also trying really hard not to smile. It probably doesn't have the affect she wanted.

She takes his hand and notes how easily he lifts her to her feet. Her toes slip a little until she wills the ice to melt.] Yup but only when I'm on my back. [A pause.] That's not what I meant to say!

[Airy's fingers grip her cheeks and pull down. Why is she so bad at talking to people? Why does she feel the need to say the first thing that comes to mind.] Nothing weird by it but yeah. You are and I'm sure you know it and use it as a little tool against people to get them to do you favors.

[She knows a girl who used to do that but to be fair she was really cute too.]

Anyway, [Back pedaling.] You have a question?

[charitaslamia]

[He laughs, not really trying to hold it back.] I may have gotten out of a traffic citation or two.

[He doesn't comment on her admiration, mostly because he's used to it by now. Instead, he nods.]

Yes. Do you believe in werewolves?

[imaginationswoes]

[Citation? Really? Airy just shrugs but makes a mental note to watch what she says. She is generally against ego boosting if she can help it.]

Ah, sure.

[Airy shrugs, she's never met one but if weird people like her exist then there are probably more weird people out there.]

[charitaslamia]

And what is your opinion on vampires? [Antonio is well aware his line of questioning is strange.]

[imaginationswoes]

[Airy is a little strange when it comes to things like this. Most girls are gaga over vampires and werewolves but Airy doesn't think it matters what someone looks like or what sort of species they happen to be. Given that she's never met either she can't have an opinion on it yet.]

I've never met one so I don't really have an opinion.

[She sounds a little tired. She wishes he'd just get to the point already.]

[charitaslamia]

[They came around a bend, then, and in the distance, a black car sat alone in an otherwise empty lot, though the buildings here were a bit nicer, and the streets were actually lit. He moved to the passenger side and opened the door for her and motioned inside.]

Considering what I've seen of you, I doubt you'd be surprised to learn, should you accept this invitation, you'll be riding to a nearby diner with one.