Tyler Tian Huang | 黄泰勒田 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
asmywitness) wrote2020-03-03 05:40 pm
asmywitness) wrote2020-03-03 05:40 pm
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[[Tyler screens his calls - anyone who tries to actually call him, he'll text back in reply.]]
Of everyone here, I think I might be the only person who can say with confidence what a Keeper fucking wants at any given time.
It's not about breaking wills or destroying us. That's incidental, it's secondary. When something as powerful as Them toys with something as fragile as us - yes, we got out, we were strong enough for that, but that's all we did - when something like that sees us as nothing more than playthings, or pets, there's going to be damage because they don't know *how* to treat us with kindness, or gentleness. If they did, we wouldn't be Changelings.
All they want is *entertainment*. Sometimes it's cruel, sometimes it's kind, sometimes it's. Perverted, or sexual, or morally reprehensible, but it's all just a show. Something for them to enjoy, because they're *bored*, and we're unpredictable.
[Tyler shifts to sit up, so he can catch his breath, still his thumping heart and stop his hands from shaking.]
I've written every kind of story imaginable for them, Steven. I remember all of them, I know every single twist, I am so intimately familiar with their capricious desires that it turned me into something that knows, *really knows* exactly how to think like them. Fairest are a Keeper's pretty faces but Wizened are their *minds* and that's why Solus fucking terrifies me. He knows how to use the last thing I have against me.
It's not about breaking wills or destroying us. That's incidental, it's secondary. When something as powerful as Them toys with something as fragile as us - yes, we got out, we were strong enough for that, but that's all we did - when something like that sees us as nothing more than playthings, or pets, there's going to be damage because they don't know *how* to treat us with kindness, or gentleness. If they did, we wouldn't be Changelings.
All they want is *entertainment*. Sometimes it's cruel, sometimes it's kind, sometimes it's. Perverted, or sexual, or morally reprehensible, but it's all just a show. Something for them to enjoy, because they're *bored*, and we're unpredictable.
[Tyler shifts to sit up, so he can catch his breath, still his thumping heart and stop his hands from shaking.]
I've written every kind of story imaginable for them, Steven. I remember all of them, I know every single twist, I am so intimately familiar with their capricious desires that it turned me into something that knows, *really knows* exactly how to think like them. Fairest are a Keeper's pretty faces but Wizened are their *minds* and that's why Solus fucking terrifies me. He knows how to use the last thing I have against me.
[Steven stares down at the screen for a long, long time.]
Fuck
I. Fuck. God, Tyler.
I'm so sorry.
I don't. I don't know what to do. Solus... we can't allow him to keep doing this to us. But I don't know how to make him stop without risking making him worse.
He terrifies me too. I just. I guess I cover it up a little with fury. And he does infuriate me, don't get me wrong, and part of what makes me so angry is how scared I am every time he gets near me, but
Fuck, Tyler, I don't know.
God, I'm so sorry you had to learn to think that way.
Leave him to me, okay? If one of us has to take his attention from the other, it should be me. I had the easier Durance. And honestly, I'm *naturally* a psychotic mess. We both know that. I pull the Nice Steven persona around me as a goddamn shield, but it's not--
It feels like it's barely holding up with Solus anyway.
I'm okay with sacrificing it to distract his attention. Might as well go the full psychopath with him. It'll be more *entertaining* after all and if he tries to expose it to the world, well. I'll live.
Most of the people who're actually important to me know, anyway, or probably at least suspect. I'll-- figure out how to deal with Connie knowing when it's time. Armin... well. As much as I dote on him, I've always known that someday he'll understand enough to rightly cast me off. I can be sad that it happened so soon, but.
Better that than... this.
Fuck
I. Fuck. God, Tyler.
I'm so sorry.
I don't. I don't know what to do. Solus... we can't allow him to keep doing this to us. But I don't know how to make him stop without risking making him worse.
He terrifies me too. I just. I guess I cover it up a little with fury. And he does infuriate me, don't get me wrong, and part of what makes me so angry is how scared I am every time he gets near me, but
Fuck, Tyler, I don't know.
God, I'm so sorry you had to learn to think that way.
Leave him to me, okay? If one of us has to take his attention from the other, it should be me. I had the easier Durance. And honestly, I'm *naturally* a psychotic mess. We both know that. I pull the Nice Steven persona around me as a goddamn shield, but it's not--
It feels like it's barely holding up with Solus anyway.
I'm okay with sacrificing it to distract his attention. Might as well go the full psychopath with him. It'll be more *entertaining* after all and if he tries to expose it to the world, well. I'll live.
Most of the people who're actually important to me know, anyway, or probably at least suspect. I'll-- figure out how to deal with Connie knowing when it's time. Armin... well. As much as I dote on him, I've always known that someday he'll understand enough to rightly cast me off. I can be sad that it happened so soon, but.
Better that than... this.
[Text] Some time after the contest and later in the week
wonderland_vogue
2020-05-21 01:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Hey, hey I have something to show you on video when you get a chance~
Oh my god, should I be concerned?
[But he's opening a video call to her with a sly grin on his face. It can't be more eggs, she wouldn't seem this pleased about it.]
[But he's opening a video call to her with a sly grin on his face. It can't be more eggs, she wouldn't seem this pleased about it.]
[He's not wrong. Though she's grinning in turn, an Alakazam sitting next to her.]
So, apparently Allure has been watching. And is quite adept at teaching.
[It's a little staggered, but she sure is trying. Huh.]
So, apparently Allure has been watching. And is quite adept at teaching.
[It's a little staggered, but she sure is trying. Huh.]
[Tyler's eyes light up, and for a few moments all he can do is just. Wildly excited flailing. Before words come back to him, and his motions have an almost vicious edge from how excited he is.]
Holy shit! Allure you're fucking amazing, that's-- [hold on there's a bit more flailing he has to get out] Oh my God, I cannot stress how fucking happy this makes me right now.
Holy shit! Allure you're fucking amazing, that's-- [hold on there's a bit more flailing he has to get out] Oh my God, I cannot stress how fucking happy this makes me right now.
[This is fucking adorable and she can't help hiding a laugh behind a hand. Good Lord, this is not the response she expected.]
Didn't think you'd be this happy~ Still rusty but it's not that hard for me to get, luckily.
Didn't think you'd be this happy~ Still rusty but it's not that hard for me to get, luckily.
Oh my god you're the only person here who's using my native language that I like. Yes I'm fucking happy. I love Isis but it's not the same.
Who the hell else is using it, then? I just realized if no one else knows it that we like that could make things... Interesting. If you get where I'm going with that~
[He openly grimaces in annoyance.]
Fucking Solus. I think he learned by watching me.
Fucking Solus. I think he learned by watching me.
Oh, gross. Do keep in mind I've earned that shithead that if he fucks with you he deals with me. I don't appreciate those around me being harassed, darling.
[Hey, Tyler. Normally she's nice enough to send a text first, but not this time. The second he's answering that it's clear by her posture alone that she is pissed. Even her hand movements, which Allure is still nearby for, are very pointed and almost rushed.]
So when the fuck were you going to tell me about the other shit Solus has done? Why the fuck did I have to learn about all of that from goddamned Steven of all people?
So when the fuck were you going to tell me about the other shit Solus has done? Why the fuck did I have to learn about all of that from goddamned Steven of all people?
[Of course he'll answer right away for her, since he knows she can speak to him properly. He's not expecting her to be absolutely furious, though, and it catches him completely off-guard. His own sign is almost hesitant, held close to his chest in a slightly defensive manner.]
I didn't think it mattered. He was just being a creep, I didn't think it was worth dragging anyone else into it. I only mentioned it to Steven because he brought it up first.
I didn't think it mattered. He was just being a creep, I didn't think it was worth dragging anyone else into it. I only mentioned it to Steven because he brought it up first.
[Defensive as it may be, she needs to get this out before there's any chance of her cooling off. Allure's giving him an apologetic look, at least?]
I told that bastard one thing and one thing only and that was to keep his goddamned mitts off of you and he's gone and done that exact damn thing! Goddammit, Tyler, you shouldn't have to put up with an absolute freakish creep like him.
[It takes her a moment, but she's pausing to rub at her face with a soft huff, even if it can't be heard, the body motion is probably enough.]
I don't take kindly to people harassing those around me I give a shit about. And if I have to find him and deck him in the face, then so be it. There are a few things I would gladly get my hands dirty for.
I told that bastard one thing and one thing only and that was to keep his goddamned mitts off of you and he's gone and done that exact damn thing! Goddammit, Tyler, you shouldn't have to put up with an absolute freakish creep like him.
[It takes her a moment, but she's pausing to rub at her face with a soft huff, even if it can't be heard, the body motion is probably enough.]
I don't take kindly to people harassing those around me I give a shit about. And if I have to find him and deck him in the face, then so be it. There are a few things I would gladly get my hands dirty for.
[He appreciates it, Allure. Isis is giving Allure a sympathetic look in return.
Tyler just looks tired. And can only assume Steven told her everything, so why bother hiding it now.]
On a purely technical level, he hasn't touched me. Him grabbing me on Ox was before you set that, and he hasn't actually touched me since. His Murkrow attacked Isis because she went on the offensive first. I know none of that is the point, but if you confront him about that he's going to try and rules-lawyer out of it on that technicality. I know how those kinds of people think.
[Though his hands noticeably wobble on the word 'people'. Hm.]
It's not like I want to put up with it, but every time so far it's been him sneaking up on me, and I... [His hands falter again as he glances away from the camera for a moment.] I'm not good at handling that. It gets to me.
Tyler just looks tired. And can only assume Steven told her everything, so why bother hiding it now.]
On a purely technical level, he hasn't touched me. Him grabbing me on Ox was before you set that, and he hasn't actually touched me since. His Murkrow attacked Isis because she went on the offensive first. I know none of that is the point, but if you confront him about that he's going to try and rules-lawyer out of it on that technicality. I know how those kinds of people think.
[Though his hands noticeably wobble on the word 'people'. Hm.]
It's not like I want to put up with it, but every time so far it's been him sneaking up on me, and I... [His hands falter again as he glances away from the camera for a moment.] I'm not good at handling that. It gets to me.
[This is a whole mess and she knows it damn well. Which might be why she... at least seems calmer, if not frustrated still. But it's better than being mad, perhaps.]
If he's bothering you that much with what he's doing, then it's still my business. While I may be a cold-hearted bitch with the best of them, I do not take kindly to anyone I do like being put in spots like this.
I don't have anything left and very little here for that matter, so the defensive and aggressive levels are turned up to eleven.
[She's pausing for a moment, not... quite sure if that came across in a manner she meant for it to.]
It probably won't stop him, unfortunately, but if I have to find ways to make his life a living hell until he gets the point, then I have no problems doing so. Making people suffer is my specialty, after all.
If I may ask, why is that? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.
If he's bothering you that much with what he's doing, then it's still my business. While I may be a cold-hearted bitch with the best of them, I do not take kindly to anyone I do like being put in spots like this.
I don't have anything left and very little here for that matter, so the defensive and aggressive levels are turned up to eleven.
[She's pausing for a moment, not... quite sure if that came across in a manner she meant for it to.]
It probably won't stop him, unfortunately, but if I have to find ways to make his life a living hell until he gets the point, then I have no problems doing so. Making people suffer is my specialty, after all.
If I may ask, why is that? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.
[You liiiiiiiiiiike him.
Tyler doesn't comment on it, but her protectiveness gets a brief smile. Brief, because her question comes soon after and wipes it off his face completely.]
I... should, frankly. There's not much to tell, really.
[Isis nuzzles against his cheek, and he pauses for a moment to run his fingers through her feathers.]
About three months before I got taken here, I escaped from about five years of indentured servitude where my... my Keeper would use me to write stories, and punished me if they didn't meet his standards. He was very hands-on in his approach with us, and was. Significantly taller than me. [His hands are trembling a little, but his gaze remains even on the screen.] He took a lot of enjoyment in sneaking up on me and being. Rather physical while I was working. He liked making sure my stories were entertaining enough for him. And... tried teaching me to talk.
Tyler doesn't comment on it, but her protectiveness gets a brief smile. Brief, because her question comes soon after and wipes it off his face completely.]
I... should, frankly. There's not much to tell, really.
[Isis nuzzles against his cheek, and he pauses for a moment to run his fingers through her feathers.]
About three months before I got taken here, I escaped from about five years of indentured servitude where my... my Keeper would use me to write stories, and punished me if they didn't meet his standards. He was very hands-on in his approach with us, and was. Significantly taller than me. [His hands are trembling a little, but his gaze remains even on the screen.] He took a lot of enjoyment in sneaking up on me and being. Rather physical while I was working. He liked making sure my stories were entertaining enough for him. And... tried teaching me to talk.
Edited 2020-05-22 09:21 (UTC)
[Shhh, it's totally just in a friendly way. Of course. But she's silent and attentive during this whole story. It's... well, that's not what she had expected, but it makes sense why these sorts of things would get under his skin.]
That's awful, darling. Though I can see why all of this would have made you uncomfortable. Which, in my humble opinion, means that I need to ruin his damn life all the more, don't you think?~ [Awful, absolutely awful.]
A disgusting thing like him absolutely does not need to be getting away with these sorts of things.
That's awful, darling. Though I can see why all of this would have made you uncomfortable. Which, in my humble opinion, means that I need to ruin his damn life all the more, don't you think?~ [Awful, absolutely awful.]
A disgusting thing like him absolutely does not need to be getting away with these sorts of things.
[Surprise, he's got serious deep-rooted issues. \o/]
I know Steven plans to use oneiromancy - Changeling dream-walking, kind of - to invade Solus's dreams when the next weird weekend rolls around. He asked me if I wanted to help with it, since I know one of the most potent Changeling powers. When I explained how risky I thought it was, for something so... [His hands waver, toying with a few words, before he finally settles on] petty, he backed down.
I know Steven plans to use oneiromancy - Changeling dream-walking, kind of - to invade Solus's dreams when the next weird weekend rolls around. He asked me if I wanted to help with it, since I know one of the most potent Changeling powers. When I explained how risky I thought it was, for something so... [His hands waver, toying with a few words, before he finally settles on] petty, he backed down.
[Honestly, she's not that surprised. They all do in some way, shape, or form.
She's quiet and still for the longest moment on that petty part. But...]
That's the difference between mortal and immortal, I guess. When you can't really die, you stop seeing things as petty. Or maybe I'm just as petty, who knows. Either way, I hope you understand that I cannot sit back and do nothing.
She's quiet and still for the longest moment on that petty part. But...]
That's the difference between mortal and immortal, I guess. When you can't really die, you stop seeing things as petty. Or maybe I'm just as petty, who knows. Either way, I hope you understand that I cannot sit back and do nothing.
[Tyler looks increasingly uncertain the longer Lydia's quiet, and his sign is somewhat reticent.]
I. I didn't mean it like that.
[He just sighs quietly.]
Whatever you guys want to do, I'm not going to stop you. I just... can't help.
I. I didn't mean it like that.
[He just sighs quietly.]
Whatever you guys want to do, I'm not going to stop you. I just... can't help.
[She's still again for a brief moment, though she's nodding slowly. It's not entirely surprising that he can't, but she's not entirely sure how to word this...]
Somewhat feels like that's why I'm here, if that makes any sense. Some twisted version of atoning for shit I've done in the past. For as much as I've manipulated and toyed with and harmed people previously, there's a limit.
I don't want to see you harmed, in particular.
[What does that even mean? She really doesn't know.]
Somewhat feels like that's why I'm here, if that makes any sense. Some twisted version of atoning for shit I've done in the past. For as much as I've manipulated and toyed with and harmed people previously, there's a limit.
I don't want to see you harmed, in particular.
[What does that even mean? She really doesn't know.]
[He's not sure either, but it still makes a pink flush cross his cheeks.]
You know I think the same for you, right? [let's just. own that. and then move on immediately] If both of you weren't in serious positions of power over him, with how strong your teams are, I'd actually be trying to talk you out of it.
You know I think the same for you, right? [let's just. own that. and then move on immediately] If both of you weren't in serious positions of power over him, with how strong your teams are, I'd actually be trying to talk you out of it.
[God. She's fairly certain she's had her cheeks and face more pink and red in this place than she ever did while alive back home. But that faint hint of pink on her own is showing its way again.]
Do you? One day we'll... probably have to have a talk about this mess. Under better circumstances. [Meaning hopefully no time soon, ugh.] Even if I wasn't, it still wouldn't stop me from trying. Just because I don't have my magic and abilities here doesn't mean I'm completely without teeth.
Do you? One day we'll... probably have to have a talk about this mess. Under better circumstances. [Meaning hopefully no time soon, ugh.] Even if I wasn't, it still wouldn't stop me from trying. Just because I don't have my magic and abilities here doesn't mean I'm completely without teeth.
[Who needs to talk about feelings, sure as hell not these two. They're Totally Fine!]
As far as I'm aware, he only has Ghost types. [There's a slightly nasty smile on his face.] Ghosts and his Murkrow. I can't imagine Nex has had a good romp around in a while, you know.
As far as I'm aware, he only has Ghost types. [There's a slightly nasty smile on his face.] Ghosts and his Murkrow. I can't imagine Nex has had a good romp around in a while, you know.
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