I'll Morph to Someone Else, I'm Just a Ghost

What a pain...

Ever since this infernal moon pollen had fallen, jobs had been pouring in like a black tsunami. Theo didn't mind the general darkness outside. It was comforting somehow, like being wrapped in a blanket. He was so comforted in general that he hardly wanted to leave his abode, which he'd redecorated to suit his new dark and subdued style. A modest bed, a fireplace with a large bookshelf, a couple comfy reading chairs. Everything was nice and gray, black, and purple. Even his wardrobe matched, as he was currently in a plum dress shirt buttoned to his neck and perfectly pressed slacks of ebony. The shiny shoes on his feet were fancy and so clean they could be eaten off of. It was only at all the noise and pleading of the townsfolk and guild mates that he left this comfort and his good book to try and ease the panic out of obligation.

It seemed the most urgent flyer with a high ranking attached to it was in Capital Crocus. The royal family's panties were in a bunch over some strange creatures that had accosted them on a luxurious garden walk. It had been a small orange creature, but other residents had complained of nastier beasties in the streets and forests beyond the main hub, and were afraid they'd draw closer. Rune Knights had gone and never returned, which was expected. What good for Rune Knights for, really, other than to go die before mages were called in to do the real work. It was a pain. All of it.

Theo had read the entire train ride, having brought his normal bag but instead of his normal survival necessities there were books to occupy his mind. Not many words passed his lips, nor did he seem interested in anything outside the windows. He'd all but ignored Rin until they reached the area indicated on the job paper. That's when he broke his bothered silence. "I suppose we should have some sort of strategy. Drathir seems to think extensive planning is needed beforehand, else we'll meet our demise."


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Irritation radiated off of the man in an nearly tangible way. It was horrible being responsible. "Would it matter if I did?" he quipped, drawing his brows low over his bright, broody blue eyes. How had he not noticed how annoying she was? Personally, he preferred girls with bigger chests, or men. She was neither of those. Currently he was unable to really process that the changes were to everyone and he wasn't feeling like he'd always felt, which only contributed to his confusion about why his life was the way it was. The only thing he knew was different about himself was he could read, and it was actually quite nice that he had some sort of miracle happen to cause such a thing. Sugar Squad? Why did they name it that if they all hated sugar? Such bizarre choices.

What wasn't so nice was that everything was annoying and loud and required so much energy to do, and this lover was possibly the most opposite thing he ever had to lay next to and spend time with. Her way about her and manner of speaking had his blood pressure pounding in his ears, flushing his face not with infatuation but barely contained aggravation.

Turning to stalk into the town, expensive cobbled stone bouncing the sound of his expensive shoes off the empty streets only to be muffled early by all the black moon pollen. "Fine. Let's run into danger headlong and get ourselves killed. If you remember, I've already died, and it was not a pleasant experience...though I do wonder if it wouldn't give me relief now," he muttered, hands fussing with his shirt as if to keep the pollen and wrinkles off of it.

A small snarl echoed down an alley to the left, a bit high pitched and almost cute if not for the strange, unfamiliar tone of it. It sounded like no other animal already existing, so it must be the new creatures. A flash of orange darted out of sight at the end. "This way, I guess..." he groaned, turning to follow the creature as if every molecule of energy was gone from his body.


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The man heard her just fine, he just made it his most important life's work to ignore the crap out of her because she was the most annoying human that he shared air with. If he stayed too lose, he might catch her brand of stupid, and he very much like being able to read and think. They were here to do a job, and he wanted to to it quick and efficiently. He'd formulated a plan in his own mind since she wasn't one for such things, and maybe he'd just do all of this by himself if it meant getting back to his books at home.

He distinctively remembered the warm feelings he'd felt for her before today, but heck if he could remember why. Why did she live with him? He wanted to get away from her! It was strange having memories that didn't make sense with how he knew he felt. She was vile and obnoxious, more like Lester than himself. If he half contemplated poisoning Lester's ghost pepper poppers, just what did he have in store for this small, evil flea he was shackled to?

Pulled from his thoughts and intent tracking of the strange creature he'd hoped would lead him to the source of all this madness by an irritating cry of surprise and an oof, Theo whirled ready to chide her, but it seemed karma punished her for him. She was face first on the ground, and a delighted sneer crept to his lips. "Ladies and gentlemen, the most talented mage in the world," Theo quipped, rolling his eyes. Just as he was about to urge her on, even though he wanted to leave her behind, he noticed the monster. The monster she grabbed, squealing and hugging. "Oh for the love of-- you have GOT to be kidding me. Rin! Let that thing go or kill it! Don't love all over it. We're here to investigate and kill those things, for heaven's sake! What a weirdo," huffed the grumpy ace, advancing on her to grab the toothy pumpkin head to begin trying to yank it out of her cuddle.

"We gotta kill it or let it go to follow it!" he growled, jaw clenching in anger. She pushed all of his buttons. "It might lead us to the center of all this. I want to get it done and go home, pleasejustcooperateyouinfuriatingwoman!"


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