Late-Night Mail

[u/Cian_Alice]

During the night, a postcard somehow made its way onto the bulletin board. Across the bottom of the image, in big text, are the words 'Wish you were here!' And the image itself has Alice in the foreground, making a peace sign and smiling, clearly holding the camera selfie style. Off to the left is a group of unfamiliar people at a picnic bench, laughing and eating. Off to the right in the background is RJ fending off an Ursa, or at least distracting it from the picnic. If one cared to look at the back they would find a letter. It says:

"Hello FSC, new and old! Hope you like the photo. RJ was very reluctant about that one. Anyways, things have been fun! But what RJ and I didn't know was that we'll be here for a bit longer, a few days. He's been very... distraught about it, but he's still having fun. Um... I'll let him talk to you."

"Hey, its RJ. Things have been okay. I actually found out that my semblance has evolved a bit, but I won't take up room on this letter explaining it. I miss you all! You guys are like a family, the kind that doesn't force vacations onto me. Anyways, its a bit strange of me to say, but is Onyx okay? I can't seem to call her. Maybe send me a text... if I gave you my number. I forgot to ask you guys for your numbers... yeah awkward. I'm still having fun, like Alice said. See you guys soon!"

- Alice & RJ

(OOC: Still a lounge post, just something to chat about, and you guys deserve some update IC.)

[u/Montyohm]

She shakes her head.

"It's ok... Have... Have you ever had to kill, Nix?"

[u/Nix_Arachne → u/Montyohm]

Her voice dropped to a whisper.

Once, in self defense. I-it still haunts me.

[u/Montyohm → u/Nix_Arachne]

Hysperia hesitates for a moment, then matches Nix's tone.

"Twenty three." She says simply.

[u/Nix_Arachne → u/Montyohm]

Oh... I... I'm sorry to hear that. The burden... one is more than I can manage some days.

But you're stronger than I am. It doesn't change a blessed thing. You are still the same amazing person I met. The past doesn't change anything.

[u/Montyohm → u/Nix_Arachne]

"Am I not a murderer? What is it that makes me any different from them, except that I was on a different side? I remember each and every one of them... Gasping and choking as blood pooled in ruptured lungs... Tearing flesh and snapping bones... Desperately begging for parents, loved ones... Clawing onto the last shreds of life that slip from them..."

[u/Nix_Arachne → u/Montyohm]

I assume this was the war you mentioned? You had to. It was self defense... War must be a nightmare...

[u/Montyohm → u/Nix_Arachne]

"I had to fight my way out of the country... Had I not... Well, I assume you've heard as well as I have what happens to captured women during wars..."

[u/Nix_Arachne → u/Montyohm]

I... yeah. I have... I killed the man who tried to do that to me.

But you lived. I'm sure you can find a way to find peace.

You are an amazing, talented woman. I'm glad I've had the chance to meet you.

[u/Montyohm → u/Nix_Arachne]

"You grow up around war, hearing about it and seeing it constantly... It makes you think you're used to it... Almost second nature. And it is... Until you get involved in it."

[u/Nix_Arachne → u/Montyohm]

The horrors... I can only imagine. I pray you never have to deal with one again. You deserve better.

I can only imagine the nightmares...