You're My Enemy Now! PV Emily Fin

july 16th, 2024		tuesday, morning
wc: 400		dhampir | sensitive to sunlight
interacting with: @Emily Shephard		mentioning: casey obviously

The thought that she didn't deserve Emily's kindness ran through her mind more than once- but there was no amount of sweet words that could make Scout feel less guilty about the situation. Which was good, it was her fault, she shouldn't try and think that it wasn't. But a part of her had wished that the fact that he deserved it would make her feel a little bit better about the situation. When it didn't, the pit in her stomach grew.

How could she have resorted to violence so quickly? When was she like this?

Maybe it had been the admission that she was more intimidating than she had initially believed herself to be, that she would always get nasty glares and angry looks no matter how she portrayed herself. Over the summer, when she had become more and more aware of her own presence, she found herself getting more angry and snappy- maybe in turn violent? But she had never tried to outright jinx someone! Was she worst of a person than she had initially thought she was?

'That's something I wish I had... Your courage.'

What was courage if not a blinding tool? To jump headfirst into a situation without even thinking of the consequences, without thinking of the how and why- that wasn't inherently a good thing. Even if it did mean that Scout would do some good things, it was like she had no head atop her shoulders. Sometimes she felt like a chicken with its head cut off, doing things aimlessly and without thought because she had never felt the need to think of the consequences of the things she did. Her dad would tell her to think before she climbed trees, process the thought that once you get up, you can't get down.

"You're a better person than me. You're so kind to everyone, so nice to everyone," Scout replied, her eyes still burning holes into her shoes, "you were much nicer to him- he doesn't deserve it, by the way." But he still didn't deserve to be jinxed, did he? "Why is he even so pissed about some picture? It was just a photograph, wasn't it?"

She didn't actually care about what was in the picture, there wasn't a single thing that could be in it that would warrant his crude responses to Emily. Maybe if it was a picture of a dead family member that had no other physical pictures- but how likely was that to be the case? Probably a one in ten thousand chance.

An Overdue Explanation to @Scout Fu-Hai
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics

Perhaps calling it too soon, or maybe that Scout's downcast finally saw a crack in its walls after being given a reassuring compliment, Emily was smiling that it seemed to be sinking in for her. She had never seen Scout look or even feel so low before. That wasn't about to start now if Emily could help it. Emily always felt comfortable around her, and today Scout proved that Emily could be safe with her, in spite of the events.

"Whether he deserved it or not, if it means getting out of that atmosphere peacefully, I don't regret it. It would only hurt more if you stand there for too long trying to take it, you get me?"

"Why is he even so pissed about some picture? It was just a photograph, wasn't it?"

Emily paused. Honestly? Scout had a point. Why was Casey so hell-bent on raining down Seven Circles worth of Hell to Emily over a tiny photo? Memory served that Emily tried to return the photo to Casey when he dropped it by accident, only for him to badger her as if she was trying to steal it or perhaps even mock him for it by asking about the photo itself.

However, if this is how Casey was going to act then clearly there was an underlying reason behind it. No one blows up like that over nothing and there were very few reasons Emily could think of that would answer that.

"That's what I thought," Emily begun. "But with how protective he is - not just the photo but himself - I think there's more to the photo I found with him than what meets the eye. To keep up such a defensive attitude over something like that? There's bound to be a good reason...!"

And whether Casey was going to like it or not, Emily was going to find out, even at the risk of becoming his enemy - as sad as it would be for her.

_{Word Count: 362}

Stats: Stamina: 7|Evasion: 6|Strength: 6|Wisdom: 8|Arcane Power: 7|Accuracy: 6
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

july 16th, 2024		tuesday, morning
wc: 380		dhampir | sensitive to sunlight
interacting with: @Emily Shephard		mentioning: casey

Scout wasn't sure if she'd consider jinxing the boy a peaceful way of getting out of the situation, but it was more peaceful than her biting him- or him escalating the fight into a full-blown duel, which was undoubtedly a win. Especially for Emily, since Scout would hate for her to get caught in the crossfire.

"I guess so." Scout shrugged. She really didn't agree with what Emily said, but it wasn't worth it to voice her concerns. It didn't take a genius to know that Emily was much, much more of a pacifist than Scout was. Even if Scout would've preferred yelling at her newfound enemy than letting him walk off, she'd never tell that to her friend. The situation needed time to simmer in Scout's brain before she formed proper thoughts on it.

"Do you remember what was in the photo?" She asked. "Like maybe it was a picture of something he liked? His mom, maybe?" The tone in her last sentence teetered on the edge of mockery. Scout wouldn't be surprised if the boy had some super close relationship with his mother. Something, something, stereotypes? "But that wouldn't really explain his reactions-"

She cut herself short, an idea appearing in her mind. "What if it's his crush? Do you think it's a girl or boy he likes? That'd totally explain it!" The idea was so absurd that even saying it out loud made Scout snicker to herself, almost doubling over with laughter. How stupid would that be? But it'd be so funny- er, not for him- but definitely for her! Although she couldn't imagine liking someone so much that she'd keep a picture of them with her at all times, she'd bet that some guy like him would.

Oh, but that was mean to think, wasn't it?

"Maybe that's why he's so annoyed. Aren't boys like super protective over the people they like?" Not that she would know, she wasn't lucky enough to get a brother or a sister. In the movies her father and her would watch when she was younger, the knight would always be super protective and heroic around the princess, so it was probably the same for real people too.

Thinking about how silly the situation really changed her mood.

Sharing Intel with @Scout Fu-Hai
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics

"Do you remember what was in the photo? Like maybe it was a picture of something he liked?"

Good question. When Emily tried to sneak a glance at the photo before returning it, Casey had snatched the photo out of her hand before her eyes could land on it. At least, for a full look. She did remember something though it did take her a couple minutes to think, leaving Scout anxiously for an answer.

"Yeah... There was something, though it didn't look like his mother. It was a guy. A slightly older one. Maybe sixteen? Seventeen? He had similar hair to him though maybe a little more on the blonde side..."

His dad maybe? He'd be pretty young though if that were the case... Cousin? Best friend? Emily had no clue honestly. She could list ten more answers and they could all be wrong for all she knew.

"You're probably on to something though... Whoever it was on that photo definitely seemed dear to him. Otherwise why else would he be so guarded about it in the first place..." If anything, Scout most likely hit the nail on the head. The question remained now was who it was in that photo that was held in Casey's heart so much that it turned him sour? After all, whatever brings a man his greatest happiness could also unleash his dark side.

_{Word Count: 258}

Stats: Stamina: 7|Evasion: 6|Strength: 6|Wisdom: 8|Arcane Power: 7|Accuracy: 6
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

july 16th, 2024		tuesday, morning
wc: 380		dhampir | sensitive to sunlight
interacting with: @Emily Shephard		mentioning: casey and asteria

Someone who looks exactly like him but is a few years older? That narrowed down who it could be by a pretty big margin. Especially if it were a guy- while it still could be someone he had a crush on... it was kind of weird to like someone who looked really similar to yourself. Scout couldn't envision herself having a crush on a girl with the same kind of hair and face as herself. Though that might be because of reasons far more deeper than she's willing to think of.

"Oh!"

The idea pops into her mind, and she grabs Emily's arm. It was weird to have a picture of your dad or cousin (even though Scout and Asteria were close, neither of them had pictures of each other), but it would make sense if it were a sibling! There was definitely a chance that Casey could have a brother- er, but it's still weird to have a picture of them.

"You said they look similar, right? What if it's his brother?" Siblings were a lot closer than cousins, and it was less weird to have a picture of your sibling than it was to have a picture of your dad when he was young, so it was the only conclusion Scout could draw. But why in the world would Casey have a picture of his brother? More importantly, why would he have a picture of his brother just with him at all times? Didn't muggles have better ways of safekeeping memos like with phones?

Shit, wait, he probably wasn't muggle-born. He mentioned something about Emily being a 'no-maj', and that would be a weird comment to make to someone if you yourself were also muggle-born. Some wizards were so weird about their own blood purity, Scout would never understand it. Whether or not your parents were also wizards doesn't dictate whether or not you can do it! Both of her own parents are great at casting spells and look at Scout! She can barely cast them even when she's trying!

"Emi... can we go get ice-cream or something? My head is hurting thinking about all this weird stuff with my new greatest enemy."

At least she was more focused on her head hurting than her guilt. That was a step in the right direction.

Sharing Intel with @Scout Fu-Hai
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics

"You said they look similar, right? What if it's his brother?"

That was the thing. Emily had the sneaky suspicion that could be the case, yet she never liked to make assumptions - especially not this quickly. However, that didn't take away from the fact that Scout was probably bang on the money, and she hadn't even seen the photo for herself. In fact it was the most logical-sounding conclusion that both she and Emily could come up with.

"Though we can never be sure so soon, but you my friend have perhaps uncovered the identity of whoever Casey holds dear to him." Though names and clarification were a leap away from the full truth, they were at least heading down some kind of direction that brought them closer to the knowledge they were looking for.

But really, the best way to know for sure was to ask him. Emily's features rolled around her face.

Like he'd be willing to talk. Especially after all that...

Well, there's a time and a place for everything. Patience was what's needed now.

"Emi... can we go get ice-cream or something? My head is hurting thinking about all this weird stuff with my new greatest enemy."

"Greatest enemy..." It would be a considerable stretch for Emily if tried to deny Scout's declaration. Then again the thought of the two of them being "enemies" didn't sit well with Emily. Both were just a bit miffed at each other at the end of the day... With a bit of cartoon violence at the end. Emily wasn't asking for everyone to like everybody, but she always did have a small personal grievance when not everyone she knew got along. It was only the start of camp and already stuff one could perceive as "upside down" was happening, as far as mysteries were concerned. Not to mention that ice cream sounded bliss right about now. Emily smiled as a nod followed.

"Ice cream's a great idea...!" It reminded her of what "Auntie" would say; "Custard's good for the heart, ice cream's good for the head." She gently linked arms with Scout, ensuring her "buddies-for-life" message was still checked into Scout's head.

"Shall we?"

_{Word Count: 393}

Stats: Stamina: 7|Evasion: 6|Strength: 6|Wisdom: 8|Arcane Power: 7|Accuracy: 6
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace

july 16th, 2024		tuesday, morning
wc: 380		dhampir | sensitive to sunlight
interacting with: @Emily Shephard		mentioning: casey

Emily gives everything much more thought than Scout does. Even when she thinks about things using the most of her brain, the time she spends is only a small fraction in comparison to her friend. When she was younger, it was because she was confident that she'd always be right. Now that's not a small child, it's just habit. It was in the Gryffindor spirit to act first and think later, was it not?

To excuse her simplemindedness as just part of being Gryffindor was probably not the smartest decision. After all, plenty of Gryffindor students weren't anything like how the hat described, were they? Some were smart (like Asteria), some were even cowards when it came down to it. Why did she embody the red house so well? It wasn't a bad thing, but Scout was pretty sure it wouldn't be a good thing either. You jinx a boy once and suddenly it consumes you.

But she needed to let it consume her- what if there came a time where she was in the same situation? Things could've gone worst, and they would have if Casey weren't a sensible person. At least all he did was walk away, what if he hadn't? The scene replayed in her mind over and over, it was like she couldn't stop thinking about almost biting him. What if she had?

It wouldn't be anything new, would it? She was just a monster.

Suddenly, Scout finds herself trying to drown out any thought or cohesive version of the word monster with Emily's agreement to get ice-cream. She wasn't a monster, this was just a bad day, right? She needed to get some chocolate soft-serve in her stomach so she could focus on brain freezes and not her own poor choices.

"Yes! Ice-cream for the win! I'm going to eat so much chocolate you're gonna be impressed."

Today was just a bad day, but she could turn it around, right? She could go get some sweets with her best friend and that would fill today with positive memories and not 'I almost started a fight and if I won that'd be just as bad as losing', right? Why was he on her mind so much? He deserved to get jinxed. He deserved it, she wasn't a monster!

Her smile at Emily was forced, but it wouldn't be for long. Ice-cream really is a great idea.

end of thread