Office Hours

Dusty
Member

To see a Keeper is not an easy thing, especially one who does not wish to be seen.

Posts: 211

Office Hours Mar 7, 2022 3:22:28 GMT

Post by Dusty on Mar 7, 2022 3:22:28 GMT

Living in NYC wasn’t that bad, living in a hole underground was something Psi was getting used to. The streets were always busy; and it was easy to get where he was meant to go without drawing attention. Since the New York event, he decided to clean up a bit. New long coat, shirt and tie. He looked decent. Not entirely perfect but he didn’t look homeless. He even wore a glove over his hand that the parasite was on.

Course, no one should ask where he got these clothes. They were… “Donated.” Generously in the middle of the night.

After a while, he would arrive where he needed to be - someone he had been meaning to talk with. Kore’s office. Doing the rounds, he would show up to finally talk with her. And then probably METTLE after. For now, he was thinking about how he would introduce himself. It was… Hard. He didn’t really socially interact with people other than Spider-Bite and maybe sometimes Lyra whenever she felt like bothering him. So this was a bit new.

What could he say? ‘Hi, sorry I nearly crushed you under a building. I’m Psi.’ That was stupid, he couldn’t say that. It was a sure fire way to get her to hate him. Walking up to the office door, adjusting his tie and knocking.

This is a horrible idea. What if she’s angry?

“Well then we’ll know. Shut up, she’s probably very sick of parasites.”

That much was true, based on what happened during that whole… Mess. Hopefully she couldn’t read him like a book - he just wanted to talk and introduce himself.

Subject 16

The Painter

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Agency Of Supernatural Acquisitions

Kaija
Senior Member

Posts: 626

Office Hours Mar 8, 2022 23:13:17 GMT

Post by Kaija on Mar 8, 2022 23:13:17 GMT

The first thing he's hear was the sound of footsteps approaching from the other side of the door.

"You don't have to knock when the office is open, you know." the door opens inward, revealing a familiar face sporting an equally unfamiliar smile, "Welco-"

Gone just as quickly as it came.

Replaced with a furrowed brow as the devil quickly recognized just who it was that she'd opened her door to. Well, she recognized the face, at least. The boy who'd fought alongside Carmen to drive Fantastic Smasher into the abyss, then dropped a building onto Bloodsport's head with that same psionic power. Kore hadn't gotten his name, but she figured that that was about to change. So, she pulled the door open even further, stepped to one side, then gestured for him to come in.

Then, she flickered over into her seat without a sound.

"Welcome to Smith Inc.: Monster Hunting Services! Is..." she laughed to herself, "Normally, I'd do a whole bit where I'd ask you if there was a monster worrying you. Then I'd ask you for all the details that you could provide and assure you that I'd do everything in my power to have the beast hunted down and situation resolved. But uh... given how our last encounter ended, I have a feeling that I know just what- or who- might've driven you into my office today."

He did drop a building on that monster's head, after all. Regardless, Kore gestured towards the seat on the opposite side of her desk and invited him to sit.

"Though, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. If nothing else, this job never fails to surprise."

Kore Smith

Dusty
Member

To see a Keeper is not an easy thing, especially one who does not wish to be seen.

Posts: 211

Office Hours Mar 9, 2022 11:32:27 GMT

Post by Dusty on Mar 9, 2022 11:32:27 GMT

Psi would awkwardly smile himself, rubbing the back of his head as he walked in. The Psker would tuck his hands into his pockets, not wanting to fidget and wiggle around as he talked. It was clear he wasn’t used to talking with people, so it took him a second to actually voice up.

“Ah - yeah, I mainly wanted to swing by. Recent arrival in NYC, uh - well, I wanted to meet the local people around in my own time. Figured showing up outta nowhere, fighting a demon and then dropping a building on a monster owed some form of… Explanation.”

He said, chuckling to himself for a moment - before letting out an awkward cough, looking to the side.

“...Sorry about the building. Was rash on my part, hope no one was hurt when I did that?”

He apologised - he didn’t feel bad about the building really. There wasn’t much guilt, more concern in his voice. To his knowledge, no one was hurt so he was much more concerned as it being seen as an attack than anything. Poor lad didn’t actually wanna hurt anyone. After a couple moments, he would hold out his hand and smile.

“Ah, I’m Psi by the way.”

Subject 16

The Painter

---

Agency Of Supernatural Acquisitions

Kaija
Senior Member

Posts: 626

Office Hours Mar 16, 2022 19:44:38 GMT

Post by Kaija on Mar 16, 2022 19:44:38 GMT

Kore raised a brow for a moment in confusion.

"You seem to be under the impression that I should be mad at your for dropping a building on an archfiend." there wasn't an ounce of anger written on her expression, "What? Was I supposed to forget the fact that you helped us banish a demon less than a minute prior. Or the fact that you helped to keep Bloodsport from getting my blood and completing his satanic ritual?"

She raised her right hand, extended her index finger, then casually flicked it out towards him. The seat tucked under the desk opposite her own, in turn, slid out for him to set in. An invitation to calm down and speak.

As well as a reminder that he wasn't the only weird one in the building.

"If I can forgive Spiderbite, I can certainly forgive you. Plus... well..." Kore had no idea if Psi knew not who, but what it was he was currently talking to. But, if he did, then what she said next might not have surprised him very much, "The people of this world have ample reason to hate me just for existing, but choose to forgive me and accept me for the merit of my actions. I might as well at least try to pay that forward, right?"

Hopefully that'd put him at ease. Well, unless he was more religious than he seemed and she'd just given him a good reason to get excited.

"I don't need an explanation, but I am curious just who you are. You seemed to be awfully familiar with Spiderbite and my boyfriend, after all. And you don't get paid to run headfirst into danger, cuz I'd have heard your name before now if you did. So, what's your story?" her violet eyes perked up and stared straight into his own; almost as though she'd begun to look through him, "And I know that you have one. Nobody does this shit like that without a good reason. Well, nobody sane, anyways."

The devil laughed to herself as the monster sitting opposite her made his introductions.

Kore Smith

Dusty
Member

To see a Keeper is not an easy thing, especially one who does not wish to be seen.

Posts: 211

Office Hours Mar 16, 2022 20:42:01 GMT

Post by Dusty on Mar 16, 2022 20:42:01 GMT

“Being honest - “

Psi would start, fiddling with his pockets as he thought about what he wanted to say. Honestly, he didn’t wanna dump a sob story onto Kore’s lap - it wasn’t his style to look for pity. He would sigh for a bit, before turning to face Kore.

“Completely selfish reasons. And also, non-selfish ones..? First reason was to divert attention from New York - Second Reason was to make sure Spider-Bite was okay. I know what it’s like to feel like a puppet to something else; I didn't want that for him. We don’t get along often but I wouldn’t wish what happened on anyone.”

He would explain, completely honest with what he was saying. Not a word was a lie, he didn’t even hesitate. His stance was awkward, his tone was confident. He would shake his head, thinking again - trying to put his relation with Spider-Bite and Mettle into words.

“Spider-Bite is the first person I met when I arrived in NYC. Nearly had a brawl with him in the street - luckily Lark did me a favour. As for Mettle, I’ve been meaning to talk with him. Introduce myself. I guess going head-to-head with Smasher is a good enough intro.”

Doesn’t she remind you of that demon girl you keep running into? Less crazed - but she feels the same. Or about the same.

He would smile, laughing a little before shaking his head. The Psker would look at the woman, not really shying from her gaze at all. He was socially awkward but he wasn’t afraid - nothing about him showed much. His arm would tremble for a moment, before he looked at it - giving it a small glare.

“MIRA seems to think I’m a threat - I wanted to apologise to prove otherwise. I’ve got no ill will towards anyone really; just a group of monsters. Not the same monsters you hunt, probably… But monsters all the same.”

Subject 16

The Painter

---

Agency Of Supernatural Acquisitions

Kaija
Senior Member

Posts: 626

Office Hours Mar 29, 2022 21:20:16 GMT

Post by Kaija on Mar 29, 2022 21:20:16 GMT

Psi would slowly begin to notice it as he explained himself.

That smile spreading across the devil's lips. The subtle shifting in her seat as though she had something to say and just had to wait until it was her turn to speak. So, she watched him, and waited, and when he was done? She nodded, took a deep breath, and gave it to him straight.

"Well, I mean, you are a threat, aren't you?"

A rhetorical question. She'd pause for a moment to give him a chance to think that over, then continue before he had much of a chance to reply.

"If that's what they told you, then they aren't wrong. But, I mean, so is anyone who was able to help with that fight. I think MIRA's more worried about how dangerous you are. That's what separates us from them, so to speak. I'm not saying that you are, so don't take it this way, but well..." she shrugged, "Clumsiness and thoughtlessness can be ironed out with training and discipline. Mistakes can be made up for. Trust me, I've dealt with that plenty."

She leaned forward in her seat.

"It's maliciousness that they're afraid of. A lack of desire to improve. That's all. MIRA can be a little intense and, in my opinion, they aren't always aware of how they come off, but they mean well from what I've seen. And, speaking of what I've seen?" she leaned back in her seat and shook her head, "You can be a little... impulsive. And maybe dropping a building on Bloodsport was the wrong move? Maybe not? I honestly couldn't tell you, man. I had so much on my plate at that moment that I didn't even pay it a second thought. But you just seem like you need... someone to talk to who isn't interested in trying to arrest you?"

She shrugged.

"Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, though. But, if you're gonna back me up the next time archfiends attack? Seems like it's in my best interest to help you get... whatever you've got going on sorted out."

She chortled to herself, and awaited his reply.

Kore Smith

Dusty
Member

To see a Keeper is not an easy thing, especially one who does not wish to be seen.

Posts: 211

Office Hours Mar 30, 2022 19:47:20 GMT

Post by Dusty on Mar 30, 2022 19:47:20 GMT

Psi listened intently, nodding along with a small sigh. Yeah, he guessed he was a threat but he wasn’t a threat in the sense he was going ballistic in the streets. The Psker ultimately wanted to be left alone - but he couldn’t. Not really, not with the power he had. For a moment he stared at his hands, shaking his head. Everything he had, he felt like it was a curse. Something he never wanted nor needed. It’s why he only ever used his powers if he needed to, using them too much was like the parasite said -

“They’re scared of the bottle neck. Worried that I’d explode or something. Even I don’t know what’ll happen if I use everything I have; don’t blame them for seeing me as a threat. Pretty annoying though. All the rules, laws. I don’t know how the world works - all I know is that they can’t leave me alone.”

He would say this, clenching his hand for a moment. Before looking at Kore. He genuinely believed that. Everything he said - it wasn’t him looking for pity. He genuinely didn’t know how the world worked and his brain was a brick wall after everything. It was like trying to move an immovable object. He knew it was incredibly unhealthy but thats the cards he was dealt, he needed to adapt. He was just terrible at it.

“I’ve been trying to move up my way. Be better. I tried going to people but it backfired horribly. From what I know, MIRA’s basing how my talk went with the Shrink on who I am. Even though said Shrink is a lying bastard. I admit the building was… Desperate. Very stupid. Sure it got the job done but I could have crushed you, Scramjet and Mettle. Should have actually done something reasonable.”

He would shrug, before tucking his hands in his pockets. Before thinking - would he have another fight with a Pit Demon? Last time didn’t go so well; realistically it was a draw between him and Smasher. Both got equally beat down… He wondered how bad it’ll be if they came to blows again. How much damage would those two do before either of them dropped?

How far would Psi go before something snapped?

“...I got your back. When I first arrived, I probably would have said no. Now though, I live here. And if they intend to throw the world into chaos, I don’t think I have the option to sit it out. I just hope that I don’t screw everything up.”

Subject 16

The Painter

---

Agency Of Supernatural Acquisitions

Kaija
Senior Member

Posts: 626

Office Hours Mar 30, 2022 23:16:57 GMT

Post by Kaija on Mar 30, 2022 23:16:57 GMT

Kore listened to Psi's words and was starting to get a better picture of him. This wasn't just a visit to apologize and see how she was doing. He was also here to try to prevent, well... one more "hunter" from coming after him. The only thing she could assume was that he had a habit of... impulsiveness, and an expected aggression- perhaps overreaction- from those around him.

The first thing to come to the hunter's mind?

"What I don't understand is why is it that you think something bad is going to happen if you go 'all out' in a fight? I mean..."

Kore raised a hand for a moment, and a few objects on her desk began to float. Her laptop, a pen, and the remainder of a half-drunken water bottle. Perhaps, for a moment, he'd assume that it was his own powers acting independently, but the calm on her face- that lack of even an ounce of surprise- would make it clear that it was her own doing. And, just as quickly as it began, the spectacle came to a gentle end with her belongings floating back down onto the desk.

"I can move things with my mind as well. My telekinesis is nothing to sneeze at, either. And, though it hasn't happened in a while, I've gone 'all out' a few times. Results in migraines and, on occasion, some bleeding, but I've never..."

She paused for a moment, eyes glancing down at her desk before returning to meet his own. A long pause as she considered-tempered- her words.

"Do you mind if I ask... what happened the last time you... let loose?"

Kore Smith

Dusty
Member

To see a Keeper is not an easy thing, especially one who does not wish to be seen.

Posts: 211

Office Hours Mar 31, 2022 1:18:27 GMT

Post by Dusty on Mar 31, 2022 1:18:27 GMT

“I don’t remember.”

Psi admitted rather quickly. He would look around for a moment, thinking. Looking at the floating objects around the room, then back at Kore. For a moment, he did think exactly what she assumed - his powers did act up in moments of distress. Revealing too much could cause too much concern - it wasn’t a lie. He doesn’t remember. He just remembers waking up, in a room. Being accused of killing. That memory was properly ingrained in his head, clouding his thoughts. Trauma. Whatever was on his mind distracted him for a few long moments before he even spoke again.

“...I found documentation about myself. After everything happened. Been running around between NYC and MC, raiding places in the dead of night. What I found is that they don’t know if my power is telekinesis. Hell I’ve found conflicting reports saying it isn’t. Which makes me scared. If I don’t remember what happened the first time, what happens?”

Fear of the unknown. Thats what he was scared of. It wasn’t curiosity, it wasn’t a need - fear of what’ll happen. Ultimately he didn’t want any of this but it wasn’t about that any more. In his recovery time and visits, after fighting with everyone to beat back the tide of demons; acceptance of what had happened started to creep in. People call it the five stages of grief; Psi only felt two of them. Denial which had gotten over in captivity and anger that he had vented out in the brawl.

“It doesn’t matter now. I don’t need to know what my powers are, I just have to make sure I don’t cross that threshold till I can control it. When I was fighting, it was measuring how much I was using. I outputted about 40% to beat Smasher to a stalemate. It reached 60% when I helped save Spider-Bite; and I ended up atomizing everything around me. Everything; rubble, attacks… They were reduced to nothing. It seems that 40% is the most I can use without accidentally harming people around.”

You could end fights instantly that way. One touch and then… Gone. All these self imposed limits - disgusting. You're lucky I only have your arm.

Subject 16

The Painter

---

Agency Of Supernatural Acquisitions

Kaija
Senior Member

Posts: 626

Office Hours Mar 31, 2022 16:20:16 GMT

Post by Kaija on Mar 31, 2022 16:20:16 GMT

Kore's brow furrowed, her head tilting to one side slightly.

"You've got... exact percentages for that?"

Probably the most off-putting thing that he'd said. As for the rest? Well, the devil started trying to put herself in his shoes for a moment. There was an immediate course of action that came to mind but, honestly? The ideas that popped into her mind were all great for studying his powers, but they didn't really address the psychological effect that these blackouts likely had on him. So, before she got into any of that, she had to ask-

"Humor me for a moment. If, hypothetically, I had a safe place where you could let loose without having to worry about collateral, would you be comfortable doing so?" given the expression on Kore's face, this was hardly hypothetical in her eyes, "You may not be able to remember what happens, but I can promise you that I will. And I don't think that running away from the issue is going to get you any answers, even if that is easier."

Kore might've been asking for a lot of trust from him in that moment, probably too much, but she felt like it was an opportunity that he may have struggled to find elsewhere.

"If I could find you a place like that, would you like me to conduct some research for you?"

Kore Smith

Dusty
Member

To see a Keeper is not an easy thing, especially one who does not wish to be seen.

Posts: 211

Office Hours Apr 2, 2022 18:09:23 GMT

Post by Dusty on Apr 2, 2022 18:09:23 GMT

“Near enough. I don’t calculate them.”

Psi would then lean on a wall, nodding as he listened to her. A place to test this? Like, a cell? For a moment he thought about it. Then he would cross his arms - crossing that out. Kore didn’t have access to something like that, surely. But one thing he had thought about was those orbs. Did she mean those? The last time he saw them in action, he and Carmen used them as a trump card.

“I could. No prison cells, no… Testing labs. Somewhere away from people. But you’d have to make sure it won’t backfire. I don’t want to accidentally hurt people. Then… Maybe, I guess?”

He was hesitant. Reasonably so in his mind. A test - much like most of his life worried him. Unsure thoughts crossed his mind, making him fiddle with his pocket as he thought about it. In his mind, a load of things could go wrong. Too many things; it took him steeling all of his courage to even consider doing it.

After a few long moments, he would nod and just look at Kore with an awkward shuffle.

“If you can absolutely guarantee that I don’t get out and I’m free to go about my business afterwards… Then, yeah. Maybe I’ll take that risk.”

Subject 16

The Painter

---

Agency Of Supernatural Acquisitions

Kaija
Senior Member

Posts: 626

Office Hours Apr 5, 2022 12:38:18 GMT

Post by Kaija on Apr 5, 2022 12:38:18 GMT

"No, no prison cells or anything like that. What I have in mind is a little... different."

She snapped her fingers, and a void orb opened next to her desk. Psi had seen them before. The very same doorways that they had used to banish the demons who'd attacked New York not too long ago. Demons that weren't going to be coming back any time soon. All Kore could do was hope that he didn't assume that he would meet a similar fate.

"A place that can keep you and anyone you're worried about safe without having to rely on walls, restraints, cages, or anything of that sort. I promise that I'll do everything in my power to keep history from repeating itself. But, you don't have to take my word for it. "

Kore got up out of her seat, walked over until she was standing next to the vantablack sphere, and gestured for him to enter. She wouldn't force him into it, nor would she take offense if he didn't. It was his call and his mystery to solve. She was just offering him an opportunity that she doubted he'd find elsewhere.

"Let me show you what I'm talking about, and you can make up your mind from there."

Kore Smith

Dusty
Member

To see a Keeper is not an easy thing, especially one who does not wish to be seen.

Posts: 211

Office Hours Apr 6, 2022 22:16:29 GMT

Post by Dusty on Apr 6, 2022 22:16:29 GMT

The weight of the choice in front of Psi conflicted him. Which, logically - was a very good start. Conflict of nature always caused the Pskers inner strength to come out; whether it be anger or doubt. He would look at Kore, before just turning his head away. He could try at least, but he didn’t know if he could fully trust her. Or even himself. What if his powers caused something and he did somehow make it out?

Again, that silence from him was almost deafening. He would look back at her after a while, taking his glove off and revealing the darkness under it. Clawed fingers… It looked far less human than it did before. A side effect of fighting caused the parasite in his arm to mutate more and more; being a lot more offensive even while he wasn’t fighting. Then he would take off his tie, throwing it to the side and then his jacket. As he walked closer, he would roll up his shirt and peered at the orb in front of him.

May as well take the dive on his terms.

“Just - let me out after. And look after my jacket. I can’t keep getting new ones.”

He would say, nodding towards her and reaching out to touch the orb with his normal hand. Then he would just, step in. Hesitation was in his steps for a moment, his foot almost backing him out as the urge to just leave kicked in.

But he powered through it, stepping into the orb and just clenching his hand. Hoping this little test didn’t go downhill for either of them. He didn’t want to cause any trouble, or hurt Kore.

Subject 16

The Painter

---

Agency Of Supernatural Acquisitions

Kaija
Senior Member

Posts: 626

Office Hours Apr 11, 2022 23:25:20 GMT

Post by Kaija on Apr 11, 2022 23:25:20 GMT

From the moment that he stepped through the immaterial, stygian gate, Psi would be met with an unnerving silence.

Actual silence; the kind of deafness that reminded you of all the subtle, lingering sounds that your mind had grown desensitized to. The hum of the air conditioning. The incomprehensible muttle of the mixed voices from off the street. The cool morning breeze. All gone. And, for a brief moment there?

He’d probably hear nothing aside from his own heartbeat.

Then came the nothingness. Darkness as far as the eye could see and then some. The faint scent of sulfur teasing his senses. The solid ground beneath his feet was the only thing there to remind him that he wasn’t drifting aimlessly in the void of space. Well, that and the air that continued to fill his lungs. A twinkle of light sparked into view before his eyes, Then another and another. A few dozen more until the faux stars had produced enough light to let him see his own hands. Then came a startling-

”Welcome, Psi.”

-as a familiar voice from behind abruptly cut through the silence. If he turned, he’d catch sight of the devil standing before him. Standing on the same unseen ground that supported him as the “stars” shined brightly all around them; above and below.

”I’d like to introduce you to The Void. Well, from the other side, at least. You’ve already seen its peripherals once before. And don't hesitate to let me know if you need more light."

And, truly, a void it was. Kore had no idea what kinds of senses that the telekinetic possessed. Perhaps his senses were limited to the mundane. Perhaps he could survey his surroundings with eyes unseen much like she could. Either way, they’d all tell him the same thing. All around him was nothing. Empty void. Even with the stars shining all around them.

Even with his feet on steady ground.

”There are no prisons here. Nor labs nor chains nor anything like that. Hell, there aren't even walls in here. You can run as far and as fast as you like and break anything that you happen to find. And, even if you lose control and your powers get the best of you, you won’t be able to hurt a single soul on Earth. Know why?”

Her lips curled into a faint smile. And the devil watched him with curious violet eyes; half expecting for him to connect the dots himself and half eager to enjoy his shifting expressions as he pondered his surroundings.

”Because we’re no longer there.”

Last Edit: Apr 11, 2022 23:42:37 GMT by Kaija

Kore Smith

Dusty
Member

To see a Keeper is not an easy thing, especially one who does not wish to be seen.

Posts: 211

Office Hours Apr 12, 2022 3:27:53 GMT

Post by Dusty on Apr 12, 2022 3:27:53 GMT

Psi stepped in, looking around - and for a moment, his heartbeat spiked through the ceiling. He would just close his eyes, trying to calm himself down. Silence, a room without any features that appears endless. Bloodshot eyes would appear all down his arm as they stared around, one could feel how angry the parasite was to be in the Void of nothing he had just stepped into.

For a moment, his mind travelled back. He could feel his stress ticking up like a percentage. Maybe that's what it was - being alone for even a moment in this place caused him to be elsewhere mentally. Back in that room. Back in that god-damned room.

He didn’t even see the lights in front of him. His eyes firmly shut, his senses focused and everything in his head was trying to calm himself down. This intense concentration wasn’t even broken as Kore reintroduced herself, this time in the Void.

Then he listened. Listened to her explanation, listened to what she had to say. As he listened, his heart sank into his chest. Everything felt heavy for him, and so did everything else around him.

He trembled. This wasn’t some awestruck moment for him. It wasn’t him being impressed.

“Please don’t leave me alone here.”

He would ask, turning around to look at Kore. His eyes opened, the usual dull greyness to his eyes gone and replaced with a yellow glow. One could see he was visibly upset, his eyes welling up a bit as an uneasy agreement turned into gloom. He didn’t even know why he said that. It was… Overwhelming. To look back into a Void Of Nothing and have it look back again. Twice in his lifetime.

“Please.”

Subject 16

The Painter

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Agency Of Supernatural Acquisitions