smashacademy | [video] (open to all responses)

[ It had been several days since Caim's release and it was sinking in more and more, tearing at even the farthest reaches of her mind. It was him. It was really him. How did he survive a fall into a chasm? He really was indestructible. Was there no way to quiet that bloodlust? No way to kill that man? ]

[ The webcam flips on as it falls onto its side on Manah's desk, her bulletin board now decorated in green and four-leaf clovers (Saint Whatever's holiday is drawing near), and her chair spinning round and round as if she'd left in a hurry. ]

[ but somewhere nearby comes her voice, calm, cold, emotionless. Normally her voice seems to have a bit of a song to it but today, it's completely vacant. ]

He's here. I'm certain of it now. The one-eyed man....
I thought he was finally gone.......

.....even if I'd never forget

But the rumors are true.

He's here, the One-eyed man...

How did he survive that fall?

^{How can he still be alive?}
_{She's here, of course they're both alive.}

Has he come to kill me?

[ the voice falls silent, then Manah stands up with pens she had dropped on the floor as if nothing had happened, nothing had been said. She turns and looks at the camera noticing it's on, offering a bit of an embarrassed smile. Her voice has returned to normal. ]

I didn't realize this was on. I must've knocked it over when I dropped my pens.

[ she picks up the camera and gently places it back on her monitor, then settles down in her office chair. ]

I hear next Saturday is Saint Patrick's Day. I don't seem to understand this holiday. It brings you luck but only if you wear green? Perhaps I'll look more into this holiday.

[ she taps her chin for a moment, then reaches forward and flips off the camera. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It's not your fault.

I know but no one should ever make a woman suffer.

I was a bad girl. I promise I'll be good.

No one thinks you're bad, Manah.

[ that's certainly something she doesn't hear often. Or ever. Nor did she really think she'd break down here. She was so far away from everyone and then they show up here. ]

You're far too kind.

Just speaking from observation. You seem like a good kid... and I'm usually right about people.

[ a pause. ]

Thank you.

No need to thank me. Just telling the truth.

I appreciate it.

If you ever need a place to stay when you're feeling scared or unstable, you can crash in my dorm.

[The fuck am I even suggesting. I'll have to get a backup apartment off of campus...]

Thank you very much for your kindness.

[ The chances of her taking up the offer are slim, but appreciated. ]

[Liquid's glad. Friggin' Miller being a playboy...]

You're quite welcome.

[ and Manah still doesn't know that Liquid isn't Miller, or that Miller is someone entirely different. Yet. ]

[Good. He wants to keep it that way.]

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