(open) strength be granted.

[decrypter]

who: Helena and open!
what: Awakening and adjusting to the school.
when: 7/21 and onwards
warnings: None yet.

one.

[it's not obvious, what changes, until it has. no recollection, no understanding, and she goes as still as something inanimate might be. the where, the why, the what - there is nothing, and for the first time in her life, Helena longs for the same feeling of the manor's walls wrapped around her.

it's the benefit of living so long needing to remain hidden at points, to control one's self - she can feel the ghost of hands on her shoulders saying calm your actions, and her hand wraps around the wood of her cane. comforting, familiar. the minute the strange class is dismissed, she waits for everyone else to leave, and then exits, finding a place to stand and be unobtrusive until they scatter back into class.

with the halls empty, she can start listening - really listening, the soft tapping of her cane giving her information. nothing sounds the same, smells the same - this isn't anywhere she knows, even her clothes feel different.

truancy might be against the rules, but Helena needs to know where she is. but if she hears other footsteps, she's immediately ducking into the nearest closet, empty classroom, or anywhere else she can crouch and hide. knowing nothing, everything is alarming, and everyone may be the hunter. and her head being filled with strange memories that aren't hers? she needs time to find the truth.]

two.

[later, there is enough to settle with. later she's been able to grasp a small bit of what's happening, and while the clock tower might intimidate some, it is a place of peace to her. perhaps things are easier due to the cat that's settled on her lap, purring up a storm, soft and warm. where it came from, Helena doesn't know, but its presence does much to make things calmer. stroking its back, a smile comes to her lips, and while there's much still to fear, to question, cat shaped comforts that demand no more than attention ease things.

still, one can't assume they're alone, and the moment there's the sound of something coming up, both Helena and cat are on the alert. her arms wrap around it protectively, head tilted to listen best as whoever or whatever it is draws nearer.

however, the giveaway that this isn't an empty sanctuary is in one mrah that comes from the being in her arms. clearly, Lily May wants to inquire what someone's business actually is before they even finish getting up.]

three.

[classes are...interesting to get through. having been homeschooled for her life, there's something of a novelty for being in these sessions, making one's way to each individual session and meeting so many different teachers. it was what she had hoped would happen when she finally went off to higher education, and getting to try it out now? well, that's not so terrible.

when the extra students have scattered, though, now she's able to explore far more leisurely. opening unlocked doors to walk into rooms, to tap her cane and gain a sense of what this is, what that is. this one is a classroom, so is this one, but this one smells of paint and paper and must be used for art. the sunlight is leaving, is almost gone, and her exploration is undimmed.

still, if she opens a door and hears movement, she's not so quick to simply charge on in. instead, she calls out in a softer voice:]

Is someone there?

wildcard.

[have a different idea for a thread? throw it at me, let's make it happen.

a note: Helena is currently unable to use her PDA.]

Comments

two

[comprises]

[Josh was honestly probably keeping an eye on Helena while he could that day. seeing as how he appeared here not too long ago himself, he kind of wonders if there's a similar experience to what he had. she seemed to just come in and try to blend in seamlessly, even if to someone like him any change was enough to investigate.

the cat catches him first when he goes to seeing what she's doing at the clock tower, and he notices that she defensively draws it closer.]

Now, now, I'm not here to do anything bad. I was just investigating our new face, is all.

[he's an ass, but he has no reason to be one right now.]

[decrypter]

[she appreciates the cat's warning meow, and relaxes just a bit when she hears the voice and the footsteps. he's not hiding, which would raise more alarm from her, and without hearing anything else strange, overall, she doesn't have to worry about running for her sake - not to mention the cat's.

still, investigating? was she really so suspicious? Helena thought she'd done much to try and not give away enough to cause alarm.]

Hello to you then - here I am, for all your investigative needs.

[though she's more softly spoken, she's clear with her words. there's no suspicion in her voice or her expression, just a quiet curiosity. Joshua's found her at a good time, as it happens.]

[comprises]

[he's got nothing to hide for now at least, but mostly because she seems so unassuming.

also the cat likes her. he's also gotten kind of fond of it too, even though he typically doesn't deal with animals like that. maybe there are some good things about this place...he supposes...]

I haven't seen someone appear here since my own appearance. It's jarring, is it not?

[terrible, actually. but he isn't going to complain too much for now.]

[decrypter]

[so this wasn't his world either. that meant that this wasn't an isolated incident by far. curiouser and curiouser, so said Alice in Wonderland, yet her journey was far less oppressive.]

That's a word for it, yes. I was thinking that it was disconcerting earlier myself.

[a polite, small smile comes to her lips at that.]

Did you also seem to wake from a strange dream? It was though I had forgotten much, and then suddenly recalled it all at once.

[comprises]

I did, yes.

[at least the mild confusion was universal, but Joshua pretty much figures that it was at this point. still, the first new person he's seen so far, so he's definitely got to investigate it.]

It's interesting, is it not? The fact that someone -- or someones -- can have so much power over us.

[he's wondering if her abilities were gone too, if she had them...]

[decrypter]

You speak as though you know this to be deliberate instead of unfortunate chance.

[which is a very peculiar way to put it. this one, she didn't walk into.]

[comprises]

It's the only thing that makes sense, doesn't it? At least, it's better to believe than thinking we won -- or lost -- some cosmic lottery, yes?

[especially for someone like him, who has...duties...]

Typically things aren't so random.

three

[compendiem]

[ Next to the room that smells of paint and paper is one that almost echoes with its relative emptiness, nothing inside but a single piano and a boy that sits in front of it, not playing, but she can hear the faint sound of a foot lightly tapping the floor to some internal beat, the piano bench squeaking just slightly as he turns around to face the door. ]

Yes? Hello...

[ It's a soft voice that answers hers, weighed by hesitation, like he's only lowering his voice because she's lowering her voice but he doesn't understand why. ]

[decrypter]

[fortunately for Minato's sake, it'll become apparent soon enough that her tones are simply how she is. with a response, her face forms a reflexive smile, and she steps further in. the lack of much in the room is easily heard - odd, perhaps, but enough is odd in this school that she'll let it slide. instead, Helena is glad to know someone else is in there, for it means she can ask the most simple of questions.]

Hello! Are you going to practice the piano?

[if it's not a piano, then her mistake, but she remembers how big the one she sometimes touched for joy was, how the bench creaked. and if this boy is going to practice, then maybe she can be permitted to sit and enjoy the music.]

[compendiem]

[ The smile puts him at ease, and he shifts his weight a little on the seat again as he turns more to face the piano, to make the bench creak and give her reminder of where the bench is just in case she needed it. The cover over the keys is still closed, and he has to lift it with some effort, with a soft thump as it falls back into place. ]

I wasn't going to, but I can... Do you play?

[ So she can't judge him for his simple piano playing... Though he glances over towards her and at her cane and can't tell if it's an insensitive question or not. But musicians often play with their eyes closed, especially when they're lost in their music, and with the piano especially when you have to keep your eyes on the sheet music to read ahead, never mind looking down at what your fingers are doing. ]

[decrypter]

No, I haven't yet had the opportunity for lessons. [maybe someday, when she has the time to spare. it would be nice, Helena thinks, to at least give it a go.] But I love music in all its forms. Symphonies to humming - it's all so wonderful.

[it seems almost impossible to her that other people think otherwise. coming closer to the piano, she rests her hand against the side. the lacquered wood - it's silent for now, but she can imagine all the sounds it can make.]

Please, don't feel obligated, though. I just didn't want to interrupt.

[compendiem]

...I do too. It's easy to get lost in, when you're deep in music.

[ It's why he likes it too, why he always had headphones clamped over his ears, sometimes playing even when they're hanging over his chest instead. Playing is a little different, but it's the same comfortable sort of lost. Nostalgic, as he places the tips of his fingers on the ivory keys and begins playing a slow, simple song. ]

The bench is long enough if you wanted to sit too. Promise I won't go crazy and elbow you in the face.

[decrypter]

Somehow, I don't think you would.

[her delight once the music starts is near a palpable thing, and coming to settle on the bench next to him, and the sound feels like it surrounds her. with how simple the melody is, it means she can really focus on it. it's comforting, and even with this school being abnormal, the unsettling strangeness of it all, it doesn't mean that this can't be a joy. it's a sincere privilege to be able to sit and listen.

she's forgotten to ask his name. when he's done, she'll be sure to - she can't forget this moment.]

one!

[notsosou]

[Knowing that there's a food supply that isn't just through merits has left Shin feeling secure enough to test the limits of attendance. He's been exploring where he can, and probably incidentally garnering a reputation among his teachers. He doesn't see Helena duck and hide in a closet so much as the sudden movement in the corner of his vision, startling him himself.]

H-hello?

[Who was that? Wait no, the rest of his brain catches up with him with context like a newsboy waving the latest news. The unbelievable headline; someone seems to be hiding from him. His footsteps come closer, stopping just outside the door. He fiddles with his scarf, staring down into the grain of the wood. Shin Tsukimi hovers closer to the surface of his skin these past days, but that doesn't mean he's any better with people than Sou is. Just a little more willing to try.]

I... It's okay, I'm not going to hurt you. Although, aha, I guess that isn't the most reassuring of statements, considering... Sorry, forget I said anything. [A small pause, as he wracks his brain.] Are you alright?

[decrypter]

[hearing the stranger's tone, as well as how she doesn't think she can feel any malice, does something for her nerves. there's a second of pause before the closet door cracks open, her hand on the knob slowly opening it wider until she can hear the room a little better.]

...yes, thank you.

[judging where he seems to be, Helena gently pushes the door the rest of the way open, though one hand is still firmly grasping her cane. there's still so many unknowns, like why and how and all the rest, but he doesn't seem to be ready to report her - or anything else.]

Who are you?

[her voice is quiet but clear, and she mentally tells herself to keep breathing slowly. being too jumpy would be foolishness.]

[notsosou]

[Shin backs up to avoid being clocked by it as the door opens to reveal Helena. He... feels like he's seen her somewhere.]

R-right, I should introduce myself, huh. My name's Sou Hiyori. [The name comes smoothly now, at this point as much a part of him as the scarf.] I'm just a... well, ahaha, I don't think I have a job anymore...

[That's what happens when you don't show up for a couple of weeks on account of being kidnapped for a death game and then ending up in a mysterious high school. It had been night shift, too. Decent money, and less having to talk to people... it's strange the things you miss.]

Ah, what about you? I don't think we've met.

[He's noticed the deliberately even calm of her breathing. He's been there before, if not on this end, and his tone is gentler because of it and despite himself. Take your time.]

[decrypter]

No, we haven't, Mr. Hiyori.

[his voice isn't familiar, not even slightly. with him moving back, she knows she has room to exit the closet, shutting it quietly behind her. while she's not relaxed enough to try and give him a smile, it's enough to be out in the room again.

strange, the way he's acting. isn't this a school? employment should be a little more straightforward - then again, she's out of place, even though she's managed to gather that she's in a uniform. safe, cloaked in the herd.]

My name is Helena Adams. Sorry for all the trouble - I didn't want to be caught and led back to class.

[notsosou]

Then nice to meet you, Miss Helena.

[His tone carries his smile. Mr. Hiyori is a little strange to hear after being called Sou by near everyone, but only strange, like discovering an item of clothing has unexpected pockets.

More importantly... he doesn't think he remembers seeing a Helena Adams on Senku's list of names, dead or alive - so she must be new, musn't she. Finally, someone who knows less than him. That's something he can use, he's done it before, it's been done to him before... garnering reliance with information. The thought sits uncomfortably in his mind like a familiar pebble in a shoe.]

Not really the hall monitor type... I'd have to catch and lead myself back to class, ahaha. Though it's not a good idea to skip often... [He briefly turns his head to the side in thought.] I... I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me guess, you've just found yourself with fake memories and no idea how you got here?

[decrypter]

More or less, that is correct. It's like I forgot many things for quite some time, and then it all returned back in a very sudden fashion. Is it rather common, then?

[while that didn't say very nice things about this situation, it was some degree of comfort to think she isn't alone in that disorientation. and anyone that knew more, that was willing to talk - those are lifelines thrown to someone cast adrift. she has to trust that they won't snap before she can find something to stand on again.]

wildcard

[commences]

( his fingers press idly against the buttons, contemplating what it is he wants out of the machine that he could eat. he's not a fan of sweets, but he also doesn't want to eat much, so what it boils down do is maybe bread with a bit of salt dusted on top. it'll be enough to stave off his hunger to keep him going, it's just lately, he hasn't been able to keep anything down. the button he clicks doesn't work, nor does the second, and when everyone says third time is the charm... it is not, nothing on this damn thing works.

despite komaeda's bad luck, there's a small smile on his face as he keeps trying, not too beat up over his circumstances, until the last button he hits... finally drops something. he glances at the bottom of the machine, slipping his hand inside to pull out his treat... and it's a treat alright.

some sweet pastry that he doesn't want — and it's right on cue that someone walks out of the auditorium, the sing of the doors first, and then the tap of their cane first. he turns his head, looking behind him to see who it is — )

There you are.

( he doesn't know who she is, but anyone works at the moment. ) This must be for you.

[decrypter]

What do you mean?

[his is a voice she doesn't know - not uncommon in this place, so that doesn't make her still. instead, it's saying something is hers, and when she's not expecting anything, it's something to question. besides, the vending machines are still somewhat of a foreign object to Helena - at this point, she'll have to simply memorize what comes out with what button presses, the PDA not revealing much beyond the strange ritual she has to do in order to obtain food.

it is what it is, she thinks, but she misses the consistency of the manor. how odd to think anything there but people could be missed.]

[commences]

Aren't you hungry?

( because komaeda isn't, and as he stares at the female, and takes notice of her cane, the pieces all puzzle together for him — will, come together. do the blind really need to wear glasses, well, some of them aren't as bad, and need a little visual assistance, but he reaches out to grab her wrist. his touch is gentle as he tries to help her pry open her hand, and then he places the sweet bun into her grasp so that she can have it. the wrapper crackles to tell her that there's something inside, but probably soft enough for her to realize it's nothing dangerous. )

I can't eat it, I'm so unlucky... so it must be your lucky day instead.

[decrypter]

But what is it?

[soft, but wrapped in plastic. this man's offering doesn't help her when she needs to know what sort of food she's being offered - even as her stomach traitorously growls and asks for whatever it is. if it's something bitter, or bland, she'll have to find a way to pass it on herself.]

[commences]

A sweet pastry, it's jelly filled, but I'm not sure what flavor...

( if she has a preference, that's probably the one he managed to get for her on pure luck. he saw the words sweet on it, and already turned his nose up at it. the fact that her stomach growls at the moment makes him raise a brow, and his other hand brushes up against the vending machine. )

*If* you do want it, it might be terrible if you have nothing to wash it down with...

( he's waiting it seems for her thoughts. )

[decrypter]

[anything sweet is already good, in her opinion - it's probably strawberry, for simplicity's safe. there's a bench nearby, she can tell, and that's where she goes to sit, so she might have two hands to open the package.

the stranger mentions drinks, however, and she smiles, shaking her head.]

You've already been so kind. I'm sure I can manage something.

[carefully, the plastic gives way, and she can smell the sweet bun. to her, that's fantastic.]