Catch-all for July and August | Closed

[justoscar]

Who: Oscar Pine + Close CR
What: Oscar's Body Hopping Misadventures + Plot Wrap Up -- Closed Prompts to be added throughout month
When: Throughout July and August
Where: Throughout Trench

Content Warning: character death references, body hopping, more to be added as needed

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[justoscar]

Ozpin felt needed; Oscar felt like he was home.

The familiar presence of Ozpin on the edge of his awareness had become a comfort he hadn't expected, and being reunited with the simple comfort of being was a relief that he hadn't fully expected. Mariana's moods may be as fierce as the tides, but they could take the few moments they had in that instant.

After a month of trials and separation, they needed it.

"Yeah, we do." Oscar said, in full agreement with the words and the weight behind them. A lot had happened, secrets had been told, and they needed to touch base.

"And... sorry for dragging you into that chat suddenly. I know Johnny isn't the easiest to deal with, but I needed you there. The other people I asked Paul and Johnny to add also seem cool. I hope you're all getting along."

[clocktowers]

He exhales a huff of amusement as he lends Oscar his arm to lean on, so that they can both wade their way out of the waves. It's a clumsy, stumbling trek through the water to shore, but they are both soaked through already. For as long as the lull lasts, they can take their time.

"It's alright, Oscar. I'm pleased to find that we may have new allies, here in town... perhaps even new friends."

[justoscar]

Even the stumbles in the surf were a source of joy in that instant. Oscar had a body-- one that could feel the sticky brine and the frigid currents in the summer heat that still lingered in the air. He didn't mind taking his time. Rather, he appreciated it.

"I don't know about Mr. Daniel, but Pyrrha is definitely one." He said quickly-- knowing exactly the sort of effect the the name Pyrrha would have on their friends.

"Mr. Daniel seems like he's got the same headaches you do from Johnny. And, Pyrrha..."

He trailed with a nervous chuckle.

"She's got first hand experience with a situation a lot like ours. She might look rough and intimidating... But she's kinda goofy, and a good person."

[clocktowers]

He blinks at the name, openly startled; for a moment he thinks perhaps Miss Nikos has returned again. He has not seen her since that first winter, in the dream.

But they are connected again, now, and he can catch the shape of the thought behind the word; he can link up Pyrrha to Duty, and wonder at the shape of it. Like ours-- that is a loaded claim indeed.

The details are for another time. For the moment he simply cracks a smile, inclines his head.

"I trust your judgment on the matter." He says it with amusement, a light implication that Oscar isn't giving him much of substance, so he can do little but trust; and yet it isn't a lie. For all Oscar's faults, he has truly been finding his footing in this regard. Of the two of them, Ozpin is not the one better suited to building relationships, and knows it.

But as they walk, the weather is changing on them. The rain comes on slow, and then all at once: Ozpin steps under an awning to keep from getting soaked a second time, but it's something of a lost cause. He frowns up at the sky, unsettled.

Behind them, down on the beach, the waves pick up into a booming swell. The tide is turning.

[justoscar]

"I'll tell you anything you want to know when we get back," Oscar said brightly, gladdened for the familiar weight of Ozpin's trust resting warmly like a blanket over his soul. Some matters were secret, sure-- but Ozpin deserved to know that they did have a potential comrade if they needed one.

Even if her name, expectedly, threw Ozpin a little off his game.

Following Ozpin's lead, Oscar huddled under the awning with him and looked out uncertainly over the sea and it's changing mood.

"We probably shouldn't stop, Ozpin," He said warily. "I don't think either of us want to be squidded right away."

[clocktowers]

"I suppose not."

With some reluctance, he slinks out from under cover. The rain is only rain, heavy though it may be, and he holds a hand over his eyes to keep the worst of it from blinding him. The world around them is quickly being reduced to a darkening grey blur, nothing but the downpour in sight and sound.

[justoscar]

The intensity of the rain was disorienting, but Oscar wasn't afraid. Holding fast to Ozpin, he was determined to not return to the sea no matter what. Focusing in on his own senses and his re-established connection with Ozpin, Oscar did what he did best: he trusted.

His Paleblood let him at least be able to tell where living beings were. Reaching out telepathically, Oscar tried to offer a little guidance.

"There's no monsters ahead of us. We're safe if we go that way."

[clocktowers]

A clever solution, Oz thinks back to him, tone warm with approval; better this than to speak it aloud, where his voice would still come rough and drowned by rain.

Still: he's uneasy. The waters are rising faster than should be possible, the gutters overflowing and subterranean tunnels welling up to swamp the cobblestone streets. It smells cloyingly of seawater.

Oscar. This may not remain safe much longer.

[justoscar]

Then I'm trouble for you like this.

It wasn't a self-deprecating comment, but a grim reality of their tenuous situation. The threat of storms and the continued presence of monsters along the beach made speed a necessity-- and Oscar was far from fast in the shape he was in.

However, he wasn't without ideas.

As quick as a blink of an eye, Oscar had left Ozpin's grip and flapped up to eye level in the familiar shape of an owl. Though small enough to fit in a hand, the tiny wings were strong and his senses were clearer. The rain soaking his feathers was a reminder of their circumstances and to not dawdle with the freedom granted by the wings.

He had work to do.

Lemme spot you from above. There's got to be shelter nearby!