lostcarnival | [Closed]

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Who: Crow Hogan, Jack that Ass, and Carly Nagisa
When: Day 145
Where: Near the Wardrobe Tent
What: Crow didn't get the memo about the future and yells and/or punches everyone from his world for the crappy things they may or may not have done
Warnings: Angry birds

Crow's still in the process of getting his bearings in the carnival. But most of all, he's pushing down his grief -- it's only for a year and a day, a year and a day and he'll see their faces again -- and trying to fully commit to trusting this stranger who held the only hope he has left.

After figuring out a decent place to park his D-Wheel, Crow had loped off to get a lay of the land. Which is how he ends up passing by the Wardrobe Tent. He doesn't expect to see anyone he knows; they're all back in Satellite or Neo Domino City, after all.

So when he sees a familiar silhouette, it throws Crow for a loop. Last time he'd seen Jack, the guy had been in a helicopter, despite having lost his title of King. What's he doing here? Did he want his title back so badly after Yusei beat him that he cut a deal with the Ringmaster?

It's with a scowl that Crow approaches Jack, calling, "Jack!"

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[Jack was leaning back against the tent pole, his arms folded and head down as he seemed to be waiting for something. Hearing Crow he jerks forward and stands up straight, looking around until he spots him approaching from several feet away.]

Crow?! What are you doing here? [He sticks his nose up and suddenly goes on the defensive.] If you're here to ask me to come back, I'm not. Not until I'm finished!

[Now that he has a good look at Jack's face... the hell is that? Some kinda new makeup? Is that something people do in Neo Domino City?

Jack's greeting does little to settle the burning anger in his chest. Yusei might've been 'okay' with what Jack did, but there had always been a seed of resentment towards Jack in Crow. The rage had ebbed over the months of no contact, but it still lingered, simmering below the surface.

Sure, Jack is family, but it doesn't mean Crow has to forgive him for it.]

Finished what? Did you want your title back so bad you had to ask the Ringmaster for help?

[Right when Yusei had been badly injured by Kiryu, Jack had flown away, leaving them behind. Again.]

[Jack looks momentarily baffled; there's twinge of irritation in the way his brow twitches. Crow's still caught up on that, after all this?]

That's not what I'm here for! [He folds his arms again.] I plan to win my title back by my own means. I'm merely here to open a gateway to a stronger power. A power beyond power!

[A power beyond power!? Ridiculous. Crow's expression twists into disgusted incredulity, eyes narrowing and lips curling.

Even after everything, Jack's still obsessed with his own selfish goal. And for what? To live in the lap of luxury, lying to the masses about where he's from? (Too late for that, though; the papers that make their way to Satellite are already exploding with rumours.)

Crow doesn't understand how Jack could possibly be happy like that. But if that's what makes Jack happy, then fine. Still, there's still a seed of bitter resentment. Resentment for what he did, but also envy that he got away.]

A power beyond power? Don't be stupid.

[Crow shakes his head, hands curling into fists.]

It's been over a year and you're still the same!

[The same, stupid, stubborn brother. And without warning, Crow swings a fist at Jack. Crow can't reach his brother's face but he sure can reach everywhere else.]

The same--? [Jack starts incredulous, but before he can even finish the sentence Crow's fist hits him square in the gut. The air's knocked out of his lungs as he doubles over, ill-prepared for the impact.

He coughs, voice hoarse as he reaches out to grab Crow by the collar, yanking him forward and threatening him with a closed fist.] What was that for?!

[Carly is in slightly better spirits today than she was earlier in the week prior suffice to say, now that she knows for a fact that she can Get Rid Of a certain someone locked up tight in her soul for now. The details are hazy-the Ringmaster needed to attend to a few things on top of that *egg* thing after all, but if the faerie was confident? Then Carly could put her heart at ease.

That doesn't change her fashion choices this far-a rather loose gown and poncho hide most of her form, only orange glows visible from under it. Her forearms, one bearing a now orange nazca line, are quite visible however. As is the inky black of her skin, and the simplistic look of her great wings, the appendages folded loosely behind her as she comes out from the tent.] Hehh? Jack, is something going-

[Carly doesn't finish her sentence, as all she sees is Jack, holding some shorter fellow (he seems familiar somehow, like someone she passed in ~~a helicopter~~ the street, or similar...but more importantly, Jack has them by the shirt and. Well.]

H-HEEEEEH?!? J...JACK!!! [She shouts immediately, feathers ruffling as her eyes-their sclera, for now, white-widen immensely. The glowing marks all over her face seem to shine with more intensity, and she panics.] Wh-what's going on here, don't pick fights!!!

[It's both satisfying and not to land the punch into Jack's gut.

Crow isn't threatened at all by Jack yanking him forward, or by his raised fist; they had been in too many scuffles as children for Crow to be intimidated.]

For taking Stardust and hurting everyone when you left!

[Crow had pieced together what had happened; though he isn't particularly close with Yusei's other friends, he'd managed to get the story from them and filled in the remaining gaps himself. But they're interrupted by another person, Crow's attention immediately snapping to the unfamiliar voice calling Jack's name.

Those clothes... those markings...!
And she's friendly with Jack!

The sheer fury in Crow's voice is immediate when he whips his head back to face Jack and snaps out--]

You're working with the Dark Signers now!?

[And with that, Crow shoves at Jack, twisting to get him to let go of his collar. Oh, does he have a bone to pick with the Dark Signers! The Ringmaster's bringing back his kids, but he won't say no to avenging them right here and now!]

You're still mad about that? [Jack balks back, sounding incredulous. It's been nearly a year since the three of them reunited. He's made up for his mistakes in every way he could--wasn't that already behind them? Crow always was stubborn.

It's not until he hears Carly, and then sees Crow's reaction that he finally solidifies his suspicions that something isn't right. Crow's able to twist out of his grip in the confusion, and Jack stumbles back before re-affirming his footing and moving to put himself between his brother and his friend.

He stretches out an arm in front of Carly.] Don't be a fool, Crow! She's not a Dark Signer anymore, we defeated them! Have you forgotten?

[*Girlfriend

Carly is ready to practically burst into flame on the spot when Crow shouts the accusation. True, she obviously looks like one. The clothes might be a shiny baby blue, but the rest if her sure as heck says plenty.

But Jack is speaking now, and standing between them, which at least keeps her from tensing too much. Instead, she nods.]

Th...that's right..! I came out from the netherworld-where we go where we lose. And...

And for that matter, he was going to die before joining that side! [she stammers, avoiding an association to herself. It isn't Her team anymore either, after all.] He defeated me, and...and then everyone else, with the others, so don't accuse him of these things..!

[For a brief moment, Crow's anger is replaced by surprise at Jack's words. The Dark Signers... have been defeated...? Just how long was he out when he was stuck in that fridge, fearing for his life as everyone else was taken by the black mist?

But the rage was back at full throttle just as fast as it had been forgotten at the sight of Jack stepping between him and the Dark Signer, and her words do little to calm his anger. "No longer a Dark Signer," he says! Has he looked at her?]

What are you doing, Jack? Why are you defending her? Have you lost your mind? Don't you know what they did to Satellite?

[Jack had been there when Kiryu tore up Satellite and sacrificed all those people!]

My kids are gone because of them!

[He doesn't like the way his voice cracks and strains when he says that, but Crow viciously shoves it aside. Crow takes a step forward, tension thrumming through his entire body as he snarls--]

Get out of my way, Jack.

Edited 2017-08-10 00:01 (UTC)

[Jack glances over at his shoulder at Carly, eyes narrowed as he tries to think, and wishes she'd just leave dealing with his brother to him. This is just going to make things harder to explain!

His eyes turn to Crow again, lips pulled into a deep frown.]

I'm not moving. Crow, let explain! Carly already paid for what happened to Satelite--your kids and Martha are fine!

[It is, just a little, a rather difficult thing-staying down when your own reputation along with the reputations of those you care for is brought to question. The more Crow speaks, the more her feathers start to rise. She didn't do anything to Satellite, she wants to say, but that in itself would only make things worse, wouldn't it..? And...]

A...Anyone taken by an Earthbound God is returned once they're defeated..! And...And even though I didn't wake Aslla Piscu in Satellite, [she ends up saying all the same,] ...whoever it was that did, they would have been defeated to..!

And... ...and that means everyone in Satellite would be returned too..!

[It turns out that both their words get Crow even further off side than he already is. His expression tightens, eyebrows drawn together in a fierce glare. The news of Martha being home should have left him reeling, but...]

Don't lie to me! [Both of you!] Everyone is fine? Everyone in Satellite is returned?

[Crow shakes his head vigorously.]

If they were defeated, then why is everyone still gone? Why were the streets still empty?

[His fists clench.]

Why weren't my kids where they should've been, at home playing?

I told you I would explain, but you keep talking!

[Jack sweeps his arm out, furious, but equally determined to remedy things.]

The reasons why those things aren't true for you is obvious; I'm from the future!

Edited 2017-08-14 20:33 (UTC)

[It is more and more difficult to weather the accusations-to feel the sting of what she knows is more than valid an anger, while being unable to even prove that she intends to do much about the 'source'. Jack does not back down, however-and his strength, she finds, gives her strength to speak as well.]

...The Ringmaster would have explained part of this, too! ...it's the same as the tents she uses to write and forge contracts in-everyone who comes here, they return to their own time...but those times can differ..! Jack comes from far...far ahead of my future...

And you, you must come before me, since by the time I lost, others had already been defeated as well..!

Time is different, that's all it is..!

[What.

It sounds stupid. Unbelievable. But a small part of his mind, the part that isn't completely clouded by anger, clicks evidence into place. It's true, that the Ringmaster had mentioned that time would be where he left it. That time seemed strange when he met her.

But he can't bring himself to relax, he can't quite accept what is in front of him. Not right now. Not when his emotions are roiling and he's not willing to turn Jack into a punching bag as an outlet for them; he's grown up from having so little control over his emotions.]

...So is it true? My kids are okay and the Dark Signers gone?

[Crow's hands clench. He isn't sure if he'll believe them if they say yes, but he needs to hear it. And if it turns out they're lying to him, there'll be hell to pay, brother or not.

Though he's no longer trying to get at Carly, Crow's not calm, agitation in his body language and tension running through his shoulders.]

[Crow backs off enough for Jack to feel comfortable slowly lowering his arm, but not so comfortable he dares to move away from Carly.]

That's what I've been trying to say! Are you finally going to listen?

[He's steadfast, sticking to his word.]

The Dark Signers were defeated over half a year ago, and your kids are living back in Satellite with Martha. We've got much bigger problems to deal with now, and that's why I came here!

Edited 2017-08-16 00:07 (UTC)

[As the tensions seem to calm down-even slightly-Carly seems to grow a little more relaxed. A few of her feathers molted off in the mess-hidden by the dress, thank goodness, there's a reason she's wearing this-but a fleck or two of white can, at the least, be seen at her ears.

Carly looks to Jack as he explains, nodding.] Umn....O-Obviously, I can't speak for what happened after I lost, bu-

[Wait hold on back up Jack-] UH- W-W-wait you didn't mention that WORSE things were happening..!!

How did things get worse, who's going to be worse than a bunch of evil demons having regular fights!?

[At the news, Crow nearly sinks to his knees in relief.]

That's... I'm glad.

[As it is, Crow ducks his head, swiping an arm across his eyes, ignoring how his gloves come away damp. They're fine... his kids are fine... it must be his deal with the Ringmaster that allowed his kids and everyone else to come back...!

So overwhelmed by emotion, it takes Carly's stammering to bring Crow's attention to the rest of Jack's words. The stuff he half didn't pay attention to, because what else could be more important than the news that his kids and Martha are okay!?]

What!? What're you talking about?

[He hates to say it, but he's inclined to agree with Miss Dark Signer! What could possibly be worse than Satellite being the battleground for gods?]

What threatens us now threatens the entirety of Neo Domino City. [Jack does little to elaborate, instead taking a step closer to Crow and, taking cue from his brothers, he holds his fist up.]

I'll put what you said behind me this time. After all, Jack Atlas is a forgiving man! [If Crow doesn't take the hint, he'll nudge his fist a bit closer, lips quirked in a smile.]

Edited 2017-08-18 23:08 (UTC)

[UM!!! YOU ARE NIT GETTING OUT OF THIS, BUDDY.] Jaaaaaaaaack-!!! [Carly shouts, a half whine and a half rising tone of evident irritation, the likes of which he may be a little more familiar with now.]

That doesn't tell me anything...!! Who's threatining everything, if the Dark Signers are gone..!!

...M...More importantly, the Dark Signers were after the world, not just the city you know..!!! If these guys are worse, doesn't that out more than the city and satellite at risk?!

[Crow snorts. Jack's as ridiculous as ever. But the corners of his lips curl into a small smile before he raises his hand and bumps Jack's fist.]

Uh huh. Without Yusei here, who's gonna keep your head on straight?

[Crow hasn't forgiven. He hasn't forgotten. But he'll welcome having Jack back, gladly. As for the Dark Signer... Crow turns to her.]

Who are you? Why do you care?

["You helped break Satellite," goes unsaid.]

I'm his girlfriend, naturally!!! [Carly huffs, cheeks puffed as much as her feathers.] And- And obviously I didn't intend to end up a Dark Signer..!! Those sorts of contracts aren't totally signed with free will you know! All I heard was someone ask if I wanted to live after Divine threw me out of the window and..!

And...

[...And her feathers droop, her eyes welling up at the memory-not merely of what occurred, but what she did.] ...And I couldn't even...move on my own, after that...I...

[She knows Aslla Piscu is going to die now. She knows-but somehow, the realization of what she had willfully buried in the back of her mind stings that much more as a result, and she looks away.]

...And...And anyway, I live there... I'll... ...I'll still live there, after the Crimson Dragon brings me back, like he apparently does...so...

[~~ok but what was that about girlfriend~~]

Hmph. I don't need him. You'll both just get in my way. [Jack snorts as he draws his hand back and places it at his hip. He takes Crow's teasing in stride, for once.

Then he loses just about every ounce of composure he has when Carly declares herself his girlfriend. Jack jerks around to face her, arms up at his sides like he doesn't know what to do with them.] Wh-whaaat?!

[This is news to him! But he can't even voice his indignation when Carly goes on, and the news gets far more grim, filling in blanks he'd long accepted he would never have the answers to.

Jack narrows his eyes, teeth clenched and lips taut.] Carly... Who's Divine?

[What. What?]

What!?

[Crow's eyes bug out comically. Jack and her??? Crow's voice unintentionally grows loud.]

You leave for a year and I find out you're shacking up with some woman!?

What's that supposed to mean, 'shacking up'..!! Don't make it sound like we shouldn't share the trailer!! [Carly no-

Also- Right. Divine.] AH-!

Well...when I was trying to look into the Signers and Dark Signers more...I found a lead through the group that Aki was with, 'Arcadia'...Divine is the leader, but...

[Well, really all the information she found at the time seems moot for now, what's more important is. Divine.] ...He... ...he caught me looking into his files on Rex Godwin... [Annnnnnd the rest, as they say, is history also-] Anyway, that's not the point!! Divine should be gone as it is, with what happened to that building after!!

We've shared rooms well before this. [Or rather, Jack took over a room in Carly's apartment. Either way, that's his haphazard defense; the implications of "shacking up" flies well over his head. More than that, he's distracted.]

Ghh... [He grits his teeth. It's hard to simply accept that this man named Divine was already dead; that there was nothing he could do. Carly's involvement was his fault. That wasn't news, but it still stung to have the point hammered in to an old wound.] Next time, just mind your own business!

[She's struck entirely silent, not by his first words, but by the last ones. Her eyes are wide-and her feathers raised, her feet just inches above the ground...and for a moment, it even seems fire is smoldering from her shoulders, from her wings, betrayal caught in her expression.

But she says nothing, not for a number of moments. She says nothing, as water begins to well up at the corners of her eyes, still wide, still frozen...

Until finally, shaking, a small burst of fire, feathers, and seeming pixels erupts in the spot where she was, a hummingbird the size of a large pigeon swooping away at top speed-leaving behind specks of water rather than the things that she created in her transformation.]

[Crow had started this conversation angry, but now he can only feel bewilderment. If anything, he suddenly feels like a third wheel to all of this, all of his anger blown away by the sheer absurdity of the situation.

Jack's supposed girlfriend isn't just a Dark Signer, but a bird, too??]

I have no idea what is going on.

[But you know what? Crow's staying out of it. Folding his arms, Crow comments.]

You're on your own with that one.

[Jack's jaw drops, immediately realizing that he said the wrong thing. It's rare for him, but it does happen. Reaching a hand out, he tries to placate the situation.] Wait, Car--

[She's much faster than him. Gone in a flash, Jack is left standing there looking just as bewildered as Crow for twice as long.]

...Fine, it's better this way! [Dismissing the matter entirely, he turns back to Crow and stomps right past him.] I'm here for one reason, and one reason only. There's no use in petty distractions!

[Wow uh. Yeah okay he's staying right out of that one. It's not like Jack is going to be going anywhere far while they're both apparently working for the ringmaster. So Crow leaves then both to their own devices.

It's only days later that he sees Jack again at the cookhouse. Crow's managed to get himself a breakfast of bacon and eggs -- whether that is made by one of the cooks or Crow sneaking in to use the kitchen is anyone's guess -- and raises a hand in a lazy wave.]

Hey. You eaten yet?

[When Jack storms off, it's usually best to leave him be until he cools off.

Days later everything has more or less blown over, and Jack has done his best to secure an empty table far away from any other patrons. Then Crow comes over.]

Crow. [After greeting him in turn, there's a pause.] Not yet.

[He was just sitting here.]

[Typical Jack. Crow slides into the seat across from Jack and pushes his plate of food over.]

Here. Eat up.

[He can always get more for himself later. A pause.]

So... girlfriend, huh?

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i'm so glad this is how this comes out also fuck surprise feels-

even jack is confused

no one knows what is up

not even the sky knows

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crow caught in the middle of this awkward fight

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