Meta Runner (RP)

@Checkmate

( the thing he does where he goes FLOOF when he gets a little 'excited' is adorable tho
which made me think like-
tari: *smooth af cardinal voice* Darling~
skye: ... *initial shock, then*
skye: *huge goofy smile* *FLOOFS* )

"You lied to Skye then," Belle spat. "You told her that you wouldn't let go of her.. so where the hell is she then?!"

She really wasn't having it with.. whoever this was. The AI? Crystal? Sheridan? She wasn't sure.. she just knew that.. whoever it was.. wasn't Tari.

She calmed down a little bit.

"So.. you're the one who set TAS Corp on fire, huh?" Suspension of disbelief would keep her from losing it.

@Checkmate
(:3)

Belle said nothing, just let out a low growl.

"Until Tari's back online, you're gonna be stuck in here," she snapped. "Because clearly, it's you they're trying to imprison. Not her. Now I'm gonna go have a chat with Tari's girlfriend because she clearly needs someone to talk to. And it's clearly not helping her, hearing from you. Freaking psycho."

She whirled around and stormed off, calling Skye again.

-----

(le context)

"What'd you want to ask me about?" Belle grumbled.

"I need.. well, I.. actually, Lamar.. has my emotional support animal with him right now. He's a crow, and his name is Sheridan.. could you bring him to me..?" Skye asked hesitantly.

"..." Belle rolled her eyes. "You named the bird after Sheridan."

"It helps me cope with the loss, Belle."

"The loss of a psychopath?" Belle huffed.

"He was psychotic, not a psychopath. There's a difference. Now.. bring the bird."

"Fine. I'll give ya my ETA when I can."

@Checkmate

"She.. she's gone mad," Belle whispered, so as not to scare Theo. "Absolutely bat-crap crazy. And... I need to take the bird to Skye for some reason.."

Sheridan looked up at Belle with a face of judgmental anger.

"CAW."

@Checkmate

"I know, it's.. it's a lot to take in. But this.. I looked that kid dead in the eyes and it wasn't Tari. There's something living in her head. Using her like.. an in-game avatar," Belle shrugged. "I'm not saying she's.. possessed or something.. I don't believe in all that crap.. but.. I do think that maybe..." she found herself staring into crow-Sheridan's cold brown eyes. "I think it has something with the AI in her brain. Skye was the one who came up with the idea anyway.."

"Belle, when's Tari coming back?"

Silence. Belle turned to look at Theo with an expression of awkward shock on her face.

Oh, god, what do I say now..

@Checkmate

Theo's expression changed, like someone had flipped a switch.

"She didn't tell me she had to go on vacation again..." Theo mumbled.

"It.. was for work, kid," Belle lied. "She'll.. be gone for a while... but.. she's not in danger.."

(ready to activate le skip)

@Checkmate

( bro i can't wait to see cardinal as a character aaack )

Theo looked at the floor sadly. "Okay.." he mumbled. "I guess I'll just.. hang out with you guys then."

Belle knelt down beside him. "Don't worry buddy.." she said gently. "We'll take care of you. All of us will."

@Checkmate

( sure! )

Theo just nodded, still feeling a bit down about the whole thing.

(shall i le activate it though?)

@Checkmate
(aight)

Belle said nothing, but returned the understanding look, taking Sheridan with her as she left.

-----
(le activate)

Yet another year went by, and now, things had changed drastically-- at least for Skye. She'd been in and out of the hospital, relying on Sofia and a couple other of her friends to take care of her. Sofia, of course, was the only one besides Theo and Sheridan who really knew what was going on. At least.. for now.

Skye had named him Neo David Weaver-- Neo meaning "new beginnings", and "David" after Sheridan of course.

Even through all the crazy things he and Skye went through, Neo made it. Not only that, he'd also been remarkably healthy upon his arrival.

It'd been four months, and Skye still wasn't used to it all. But maybe... just maybe.. Tari's return would help.

She couldn't wait to show Neo to her. They'd waited so long, and Tari had missed out on the whole thing.. it was only fair.