Summary:Eve explains what she is…sort of. Log Info:Storyteller: n/a |
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Mera's phone has a text message there.
‘I'm sure you have questions. Come over at your leisure,’ from Eve.
That's how this starts.
Mera had questions in the bunker but Eve made it clear she did not wish to answer them. So the text is greeted with some curiosity. Still, the next night, Mera arrives at Eve's home and knocks upon the door. She is back in her 'human' clothes.
The door opens.
Eve lets her in without another word.
She then goes to put some tea on. Because that's what you do. Tea. She's uncomfortable, of course.
Mera bows politely as she is invited in. The satchel bag over one shoulder swung down so she can retrieve some contents - fresh fish. "I have brought you something to eat. Fresh. Free of pollutants." It probably came from a long way out to sea. "To thank you for your assistance in the bunker."
"Well, thank you," says Eve, brightly, at that. She may not actually need to eat but she does like it. The fish is carefully tucked into her fridge before she has a seat on the sofa. Looking at Mera, she says, "I'm sorry. I know you had to witness something terrible." It was terrible, yes. Vines and tentacles and gnashing maws ripping up from beneath flesh, growing eyes on stalks and whipping, crackling, ripping vines.
"It wasn't much fun for me either."
"It was…intriguing rather than terrible. I have seen the Kraken after all. Though I think you could give her a run for her honey. Is that the right expression?" Mera takes off her coat but will not sit down until invited. "Is that the 'real' you? Or is it something else? Inter-dimensional possession?"
"I don't know that the Kraken has any honey. Or honeys, for that matter. Uh… kinda… not…" She lets out a breath. "I mean, that's not the real me, /exactly/. This is. But I'm made up of that, I guess." She lifts a shoulder to shrug, seeming discomfited talking about it. "I don't know about 'intriguing', but."
Mera notices the discomfort; she's not totally lacking in empathy. "If you do not wish to talk about it, we do not have to. I may have questions, but I respect you enough not to ask them if you would rather we talk about something else."
"I owe you at least a little explanation. It also helps to understand that this isn't something that I like to spread awround. People who know already want to set me on fire from time to time," admits Eve, cautiously.
"I have no desire to set you on fire" Mera assures Eve. "You are not evil, are you? Merely…different. Though I understand that to most land-dwellers, difference is enough to inspire hatred. How did it happen?"
"Long story. Short version is that a cult tried to bring something into this world to regenerate nature's lost parts at the price of a few billion people. They were stopped. I'm the result of how it was stopped. I have a very, very human consciousness because I was — am — human. Just unlucky… or lucky, I guess. I was 'inside' the mass. Someone put me back together so the mass is.. me? Kind of?"
"What happened to the cult?" Mera asks, still standing out of politeness. And was tea being made? "This mass. Where is it now? I don't believe that all those tentacles are hiding inside you right now. Is there quantum physics involved? Magic?" Mera is much of a scientist than a believer in magic but something is involved.
"I can just grow them," says Eve, "And probably quantum. I don't think the rules of physics actually apply, though, ont he whole, to something tied to eldritch space horrors and what not." The tea kettle has indeed sounded off by now and she's soon fetching it and pouring to bring it over. "You can ahve a seat, you know," she mutters.
"It's gone. Destroyed. That's what happens when you get too close to succeeding to get noticed without actually being able to succeed."
"Thank you" Mera smiles at the offer of a seat, taking one opposite her hostess. "You are completely in control of what was brought to our world? Does it feel like a different entity inside you? Do you battle it like the Hulk?"
"…ehhhh… I mean, I'm in control /most/ of the time," says Eve. "There's been times where I've… come unglued, I guess, but those are fortunately few and far between. I can't really 'feel' it as an entity, I guess." her face screws up, "because I am the entity, but I guess I'm kinda a big filter?" She shrugs her shoulders.
Mera nods to the information about how Eve understands herself. "Are you interested in any scientific investigation? To understand objectively what may be happening? The science of Atlantis is quite advanced, but I do not want you to think that you are a lab animal. That is not what I am offering. If it would help, the offer is there." A pause. "Would you ever wish to be free of this ability? Be like you were before the ritual?"
"I mean, that would be nice but I don't think it's possible," remarks Eve, firmly. "And I've been this way for thirty years now and it's not /all/ bad. Still, I don't know." She looks up at the ceiling. "I appreciate the offer but the last lab I was in with scientists standing over me who just wanted to 'help' was a deeply unpleasant experience."
"They were not Atlantean scientists, but I shall, as always, respect your decision. We are sooooo much better than those who live on land. If you change your mind, do not hesitate to contact me" Mera smiles. "Were you able to give a sample of the substance to your friend Ivy?"
A smile in turn. Careful.
"I appreciate it… really, I do. I'd love to maybe see Atlantis someday now that I know it exists. It's nice to feel respected. Most days, I just feel kinda… put upon. Ha." She turns her hand over and allows a rose to go free from her palm, expanding into blooms and thorns.
"Atlantis is not perfect, but it is better than the surface" Mera nods. "I am a mutant there. There are plenty who despise me for being different…most of us have blue skin…but they still respect my position." A little laugh. "If they try to dispose of me, it will be political, not racist. And you are welcome to visit whenever you wish."
".. I have blue hair. That counts for something, right?" Eve remarks, wry. Amused tones. She does look… wary about her words, though, to an extent. And concerned. She has a sip of tea. "So, now you've seen more of me *and* know more about me than most." Dry humor.
"I have nothing blue about me at all. Well…my eyes" Mera smirks. "And you have seen more of me and know more of me than most. You are who you are, Eve. I am who I am. We can trust each other with our secrets, don't you think?"
"You have secrets?" remarks Eve, dryly, looking into Mera's eyes for a moment. "Yeah, I think so. I didn't want to let those things hurt anyone. Whatever they are." She makes a face. They don't taste good.
"Atlantis itself is a secret. There are rumors. Stories. But no one is certain it is real. We like to keep it that way" Mera smiles. "And I have no desire to be in a land-dweller's lab either. Not that their instruments could cut my flesh. I hope."
"I mean, I'd heard rumors and there's always lots of ancient aliens tv shows that find a way to include it but, you know…" Eve shrugs a shoulder, then has another sip of her tea. "You're pretty tough."
"I like to think I am very tough" Mera smiles proudly. "Not as tough as you though. Not as tough as my King either. But I can look after myself." Her eyes narrow in confusion. "We are not aliens though. Why would be on those shows?"
"I'm /pretty/ sure you could rip me in twain. All that I would do is survive," points out Eve. "You're /way/ stronger than I am." At her confusion, she just puts a hand over her mouth and laughs.
"If I ripped you in twain, I think lots of tentacles would emerge and beat me up in return" Mera smiles before more confusion at the covered laughter. She shrugs it away. "I should get back. Thank you for sharing with me, Eve. It is much appreciated."
"I mean /maybe/," grimaces Eve, not liking the whole tentacle thing. It's just gross. She clears her throat, rises to her feet. "All right. Well, I hope you enjoyed the tea. I'll be seeing you soon?" Hesitant.
"Of course you will see me soon. We have a quest to complete. Contact me when you have spoken to your friend. I shall let you know what my scientists find. It is not over yet, Eve." Mera offers a respectful bow. "The tea, and company, were wonderful. Good night."