Night Skies [Open]

[Skye Jones]

I looked up and smiled, admiring the stars as they quietly twinkled in the night sky. It's so beautiful. I love it up here. I sat at the very edge, swinging my feet. Looking down, I saw the beach below me, so far down. God, it's just so nice to be up here, away from the hustle of the city. I can't believe how nice it is tonight. I breathe in the warm night air and close my eyes leaning back. 

I'm at the very top of the lighthouse, all the way on the roof. I've been relaxing up here for hours and it feels so great. The night is warm and a nice cool breeze blows through my hair every once in a while. I shift the patch over my left eye and take in my surroundings. "It's absolutely beautiful out here. This is such a perfect night." I mumble to myself. I gently let out my wings and smooth down the black and red feathers with my hands. They sit limply behind me and a slight breeze ruffles them.

I lean down resting my elbows on my legs and set my head on my hands. I stare out at the water and my mind begins to wander. I let my eyes drift closed and I sit there completely still as images flow into my mind. Slowly, fuzzy images come forward. They seem to push through the others. I see people in front of me. I'm looking through bars. The people in front of me are in cages,they're scared. I was scared. People were coming, they were going to hurt us.

I gasp. My eyes snap open and I jolt up. My breathing is heavy and I wipe the sweat off my forehead. "Geez, what was that?" I slow my breathing and look back at the water. The ripples and waves calm me and I shove the images into the back of my mind again. Well that's gonna put a damper on the evening. I scowl at my hands and rub my forehead again.

[julian conell]

give me a secret, i promise to keep it

i safe and sheltered from the storm

It was freezing. Not exaggerating freezing, but legitimately, bone-tingling cold.

His lips were already blue, his body trembling. And yet, he moved out of the water with the utmost calm, as if he hadn't just jumped in from the dock several feet away.

His sister was going to kill him, if he didn't die here first.

That was when he noticed the light house. A stationary, and potentially warm place. Jude wasted no time closing the distance from his place on the shore to the light house, To his general delight, the door was open, so he entered without hesitation.

It wasn't as warm as he'd imagined. Maybe- just maybe- the bulb at the top would provide some heat. Jude sighed, another shiver coursing through him, as he began his trek up the stairs, leaving a dangerous trail of water in his wake.

By the time he reached the top, he was fairly certain it would have been easier just to walk across the beach to the nearest business or home. But Jude was here now, so on the sixteen year old walked to stand beside the large bulb.

That's when he heard the voice. Squinting against the light, the purple-haired teen crept cquietly toward the source of the sound.

"Hello?" Jude prompted. He'd never admit it, but he was hoping the voice wasn't a ghost of some girl waiting for a sailor (or something equally tragic)

TAG: Skye Jones ╳ NOTES: <3 sorry, i'm sleeepy

ⒶⓀⒾ of Adoxography, Transit, and GS.

[Skye Jones]

Hearing a voice behind me, I look up sharply and lose my balance, falling off the roof. "Gah!" I yell reaching out quickly and grabbing the roof just before I fall. I curse under my breath and pull my wings in tight, hiding them underneath my jacket. "I knew this was a bad idea." I reach up to grab the edge of the roof with my other hand, but the tiles crumble under my hand and it falls back at my side. I look down, watching as the crumbled pieces tumble to the ground. I reach up again, feeling for a more secure spot.

I grab hold and my weight shifts, causing my other hand to slip. "God! Grr." I reach up again and grab the roof. I grip it tight and put my feet on the side. Slowly pulling myself up. I move my arms up slowly and pull myself back over the edge. "Why did you have to sneak up on me like that?" I ask, slightly angry.

Looking up, I see a young looking boy of about 16, he has spiky purple hair, and the brightest blue eyes I've ever seen. "Sorry, I snapped at you. You surprised me." My eyes soften at the sight of him. He's dripping wet and looks like he's going to get pneumonia. "Kid you're gonna freeze to death." I take off the heavy sweatshirt I'm wearing and hand it to him, motioning for him to put it on. I adjust my tank top so it hides my wings better and smile at him.

[julian conell]

give me a secret, i promise to keep it

i safe and sheltered from the storm

Jude hadn't even managed to identify her location before he heard her yell. Rushing forward, Jude reached her just in time for the tiles to crumble. Had he done that? He couldn't be sure. His eyes still hadn't adjusted. Just in case he had, he leaned back slightly, trying to decide how best to help her. If he touched her, his power may work against her, forcing her back. As much as he wanted to help, her best bet was to do this on her own, but Jude was ready to reach out and try to help her if it looked like she was about to fall.

Mercifully, her other hand grabbed the edge again. Jude's fists clenched. "C'mon, c'mon," he was muttering, a hushed voice rooting for the fallen girl.

And then, she was up, and yelling at him. Jude scrambled back to his feet, his eyes widening in surprise. He hadn't helped her, so he couldn't blame her anger.

"I-I..."Jude began to stammer. "d-didn't..." the final part of that excuse fell away as Jude settled for just taking another step back. A retreat was far simpler than justification. But before he could bring himself to run, she was talking again. This time her voice lacked the anger.

"I'm sorry." Jude offered. When she offered her sweatshirt, Jude shook his head. "No, I couldn't. It's cold up here, you keep it." Ever the gentleman, he was definitely going to regret not just taking the sweatshirt.

TAG: Skye Jones ╳ NOTES: he's not so helpful.

ⒶⓀⒾ of Adoxography, Transit, and GS.

[Skye Jones]

"Listen, i'm sorry I yelled at you. You surprised me and I fell. I overreacted a bit." He looked like he was scared that he wanted to run away. He apologized and my expression softened. "No need to apologize. I knew this would happen sooner or later. I just should have been more prepared."I smile again and look up at his face. No sign of a threat. He just looks scared. Poor kid. He declines my jacket and I frown slightly. He's shivering and his lips are blue, plus he's wet and it's not completely warm up here. Especially with the wind.

"No take it, I insist. I'm actually a bit overheated anyways. It's pretty warm up here. At least it is when you're dry." I laugh quietly and stand up. "If you don't take my jacket, you are gonna freeze to death." I walk over to him and put it over his head. "Seriously, I can't have anybody dying on my watch.  That would kinda ruin the night, don't you think?" I step back and stand there, staring at him with my jacket over his head and it looks kinda funny. I giggle and immediately stop. Since when do I giggle? Geez, I'm losing my tough girl attitude already.Civilization is going to ruin me. I smack myself in the forehead and lean against the wall while I wait for you to move.

[julian conell]

give me a secret, i promise to keep it

i safe and sheltered from the storm

Jude cast his gaze down toward the floor. Though she was telling him she was sorry, hearing her say aloud that he was the reason she fell filled him with guilt. It could have ended very badly.

When she persisted, Jude offered a weak smile. And then, she was putting it over his head, whether he wanted her to or not. It wasn't too dissimilar from how his older sister might persist- as if she knew better than him. The stranger, much like his sister, probably did.

"I'm sure I wouldn't die," Jude murmured, but he tugged it down farther so that it reached as low as the material would allow, before placing his hands through the arm holes and crossing his arms over his chest to help trap the heat. He totally wasn't going to admit that it was weird wearing a girl's sweatshirt. Wasn't it supposed to be the other way around? Wasn't he supposed to hand her his jacket, all chivalrous-like?

"Thanks," Jude offered, sincerely thankful for the warmth it was providing.

"I'm Jude." Jude introduced

TAG: Skye Jones ╳ NOTES: Aww she's so sweet <3

ⒶⓀⒾ of Adoxography, Transit, and GS.

[Skye Jones]

He finally pulls the jacket over his head and  thanks me. "No problem, I would just hate to meet someone new and then have them get sick because they were hanging out in a lighthouse dripping wet." He introduces himself as Jude. That's a pretty cool name. "My name's Skye. It's a pleasure to meet you." I hold out my hand and look closely at him. It was a funny sight, seeing him in my too big sweatshirt. Perfect for hiding my wings. I think and scuff my boot in the small layer of dust that had collected over the past week.

"Why are you wet anyways?" I ask, my curiosity getting the better of me. He looked like he'd gone swimming in his clothes. He looked like a smart kid, so why would he go swimming at this time of night in the freezing water, fully clothed? Oh well, I guess some people are just like that. I brush my hair out of my eyes and wait for a response.

[julian conell]

give me a secret, i promise to keep it

i safe and sheltered from the storm

"It's nice to meet you, too," Jude nodded politely. When the hand was held out, he hesitated, but finally took her hand in his to shake. He wasted no time letting it go again, slightly worried that she'd feel how cold his hands had gotten.

Blood travelled slower to the hands and feet, and with how cold he was, he was positive most of his blood was flowing near his heart and through his rosy-cheeked face. Which left only the minimum for his fingers. It did have the effect of making her hands seem incredibly warm, though.

"I jumped off the dock." Jude shrugged, as if it weren't a big deal. "They do it in movies all the time, and I didn't expect it to be that cold." Which was the truth. He probably should have lied. She might not think he was an idiot if he'd lied. Granted, there weren't that many good reasons. He'd slipped, perhaps? But he wasn't particularly inclined to being clumsy.

"Why are you up here?" Jude challenged in reply, as if there were now a question-for-a-question agreement between the two of them.

TAG: Skye Jones ╳ NOTES: <3

ⒶⓀⒾ of Adoxography, Transit, and GS.

[Skye Jones]

We shook hands and he pulled his away quickly. His hands are cold.  "I jumped off the dock." He replies "They do it all the time in movies, and I didn't think it would be that cold." I shake my head almost laughing. They do it all the time in movies. Wow. What a dork. I blow out a breath and my expression turns thoughtful. My eyes light up as an idea comes to mind. "You seem pretty cold and I have an idea of something that'll keep us both warm. 

I walk over near the edge of the roof and scope out the beach. Ah there we go. I stare down at a spot on the beach and sticks and leaves start floating up to us. Telekinesis, you gotta love it. I grab things as they float up and begin arranging them. After bringing up some rocks and arranging a circle, everything is perfect. "You ready?" I ask and pull something out of my pocket. I flick something and a small spark appears before becoming a little flame. Holding the lighter to the leaves, I blow gently and the flame travels from the lighter to the leaf and it ignites.

The flame slowly spreads from leaf to leaf, growing larger and larger. Before long, the sticks catch and a small fire crackles quietly in front of us. "There we go, nice and warm." I sit down and motion for him to join me. Then I remember his question. "Oh, I'm up here because the city was a bit too crowded for me today. Too many people make me feel uncomfortable. What about you? What made you decide to come up to the lighthouse? It's awfully dark and being dripping wet like you were, you could have slipped and busted your head open on the narrow stairs." I hold my hands near the fire and close my eyes, enjoying the warmth as it spread through me. My arms tingle and I breathe deeply.

The smell of smoke had always reminded me of my time living in the forest. Having to make fires for warmth and hunting, just so I would have something to eat. It was dangerous and lonely, but it was always exciting. I loved it out there. No laws, no people to tell me what to do, no one to depend on and no one depending on me. It was wonderful being free, but that freedom had come at a price. I rubbed the scar over my right eye, a reminder of the day I had awoken in that field. No memories, no friends or family. Just dust everywhere. I push the thoughts from my mind and sit back, enjoying myself. New friends, new life, everything was good.

[julian conell]

give me a secret, i promise to keep it

i safe and sheltered from the storm

So she was cold. Jude dropped his arms, ready to pull off the sweatshirt. He'd gotten it wet, but, maybe it'd still provide some warmth.

"You can have your sweatshirt back," Jude insisted. "Really- I'll be fine," Stubborn as he was, he pulled the sweat shirt back off himself.

When Skye moved toward the edge, Jude stepped closer himself, too curious to resist seeing what she planned on doing. Besides, he had to be closer to hold out the shirt. But before he could, he found himself mesmorized by the floating debri. It was like magic- completely novel and unexpected to him.

"This is awesome," Jude grinned. A fire in a tower. This was something worth remembering. "Here," He held out the sweatshirt he'd removed.

When Skye motioned for him to sit next to her, he did just that, taking up the indicated spot next to the fire. He held his hands out, letting the flames warm them. It was almost painful, the sudden heat against his icy cold hands, but he couldn't seem to pull himself away.

"My sister and I are here for school," Jude answered. "And I decided to explore a little. Then, once it was cold, I just thought this might be the warmest place. That there might be a blanket, or something." Or, a tarp. He would have settled for anything in the moment.

"You worry too much. I'm fine, I didn't fall." Jude added as an afterthought, grinning at her as if her suggestion were ridiculous. Leave it to a little brother to object to reason, even if she was right. "And anyway, you were here, so even if I did, you know you would have heard me or walked by eventually. It would have been fine."

"Skye?" Jude's tone grew more serious, his gaze taking on their own thoughtful, calmness as he stared into the fire in front of them. It was a rare sight, even if Skye didn't know it. Maybe it was because he was cold and uncomfortable, or maybe it was because she was the first gifted person he'd ever witnessed the power of, aside from his sister. "Does it ever scare you? Doing what you did with the leaves... Doing things they say we can't do>"

TAG: Skye Jones ╳ NOTES: sorry he's so stubborn

ⒶⓀⒾ of Adoxography, Transit, and GS.

[Skye Jones]

He offered to give me my sweatshirt back, but I just shook my head. "Nah I'm good. Keep it. I'm not really cold. I thought a fire might dry your clothes faster." I lay my arms across my knees and lean my forehead on them. Closing my eye, I smile. This is so nice. It's quiet and peaceful. Even with someone else here. I yawn lightly and breathe out. The warmth from the fire washing over me as I listen to Julian.

I sit there silent and still, as Julian explains that he was here with his sister for school and he had decided to go exploring. He said that he thought the lighthouse would be the warmest place to go after it got cold. He thought that their might be a blanket up here or something. I almost laugh at that. This place is pretty much abandoned, why would he think there would be a blanket up here. It's not like people just randomly leave blankets up here. My mind begins to wander, before I'm snapped back to reality.

"I'm sure you'd be fine. I just worry about people sometimes, even if they're complete strangers." Isit up and look at him. He's so young. I didn't know Chasers recruited at such a young age. My face scrunches with worry before being replaced by a calm look. He'll be fine. I wouldn't let anything bad happen to him anyways. God, I'm getting protective again. I mentally smack myself and look back at him. Yeah, he's gonna be just fine.


"Skye?" He asked seriously. "Does it ever scare you? Doing what you did with the leaves... Doing things they say we can't do?" There's a hint of worry in his voice and I look up. "Nah, I'm not scared. I don't care what they say we can and can't do with our powers. I love mine and use them frequently. I won't let them scare me and you shouldn't either." I stare into the fire and my eyes follow the dancing flames. I lean back on my hands and close my eyes, listening to the sounds of the water lapping at the shore, the crickets chirping, the crackle of the fire. So peaceful. 

"So what about you? Do you have any abilities? Why did you decide to become a Chaser." The fire begins to dim and I bring up more sticks, along with bits of medium sized driftwood. The pieces arrange themselves in the fire and it flares up again, throwing shadows around the room. I watch quietly as Jude's shadow dances around the room. The sight is mesmerizing and I feel like I can't look away. The night is beautiful as is the fire, but something seems like it's missing. I shrug my shoulders and turn back to the fire.

[julian conell]

give me a secret, i promise to keep it

i safe and sheltered from the storm

"If you're sure," Julian shrugged, tugging it back on for the second time. It really did help, and if she insisted... Not that he felt any better about potentially stealing the source of warmth from her.

Julian drew closer to the fire, his hands out in front of him, palms outward, as if getting closer would increase the amount of heat he could capture.

"Maybe it's a girl thing," Julian offered offhandedly. His sister had an annoying habit of trying to keep him away from anything even remotely dangerous- at least Skye was permitting this fire.

"I do, but it's hard to explain." Julian's attention finally lifted from the fire to Skye, his expression one of uncertainty. "I decided to... because my dad's heroic, and I kind of wanted to be, too. Well, to do something good, at least. Help people. And it seemed like an adventure." Jude drew his hands away from the fire, crossing his arms against his chest as he sat back, content with the original spot Skye had indicated. It was probably safer, a pace or so farther from the fire than he'd originally been.

"My sister thinks being a Chaser is a bad idea." Jude explained. Then, just like that, he was smiling, as if he'd reached his quota of serious and needed to lighten things up. "The school has this obstacle course. It's huge, and it goes pretty high. Not as high as we are now, but still. Do you think there's enough to hold onto on the side of this building?" Julian glanced over his shoulder, toward the opening in the building that let out the light. "I woner what's all the way on top."

TAG: Skye Jones ╳ NOTES: There we go

ⒶⓀⒾ of Adoxography, Transit, and GS.

[Skye Jones]

He puts my sweatshirt back on and I sit back with a satisfied grin on my face. He needs to stop trying to give my sweatshirt back, I'm just tryna keep him warm. I nod with approval when he moves closer to the fire, but I don't think he sees it because a couple minutes later he moves away again. "Maybe it's a girl thing." He says and I snort. "More like a person who cares for your safety thing." I scoot a bit closer to the fire and lean forward on my knees again.

My smile slips when he tells me the reason he wants to be a Chaser. "Well it's completely up to you. You decide how you're gonna live your life and don't let anyone stand in your way. As long as you like who you are, then no one else's opinion matters. Though I do have to say I agree with your sister. Being a Chaser isn't the best idea, but it's what you want. As long as you don't let them control you, or turn you into a human weapon then do whatever you want.

I look over the edge and then back at him. "Yeah, there's plenty of room to climb. Have at it." I smile again. "I'll be here to catch you if you fall. Be careful." I lay out by the fire and watch the shadows flickering across the walls. He should be very careful when climbing the lighthouse. I'll catch him if he falls, but he still needs to be careful. 

[julian conell]

give me a secret, i promise to keep it

safe and sheltered from the storm

"Isn't it more fun to just join in?" Jude quizzed. Perhaps he wasn't the most rational teenager around, but he hadn't yet lost his unrealistic sense of invincibility.

"So you don't want to be a Chaser ever? It doesn't seem like anyone else wants us to have powers," Julian stated. Whether it was accurate or not was another story, but he believed it, at least. He couldn't honestly imagine an alternative to spending his life as a Chaser now that he was a part of the school.

"Wait. Really? I can climb up there?" Jude's surprise was evident. He'd expected a swift no. Rather than rising from his spot on the floor, disappointment settled over his features. It really wasn't a good idea, and as badly as he wanted to deny caring, he knew he shouldn't put himself at risk. Even if it was tempting. At least, not with wet clothes, or while it was too dark to see clearly.

"Maybe when I'm dry." Or, maybe not. His sister would definitely kill him if he survived the climb. "What're you looking at?" Jude turned his attention to the wall where Skye's attention was, laying near her so he could watch with her.

TAG: Skye Jones ╳ NOTES: my writing's not great today

ⒶⓀⒾ of Adoxography, Transit, and GS.

[Skye Jones]

"Join in on what exactly?" I inquire and put my hands together in front of me, resting them on my knees. I shiver slightly, as chills race down my spine and frown. Moving closer to the fire, I lean forward slightly, closing my eyes. The warmth envelopes me and I breathe deeply.The fire dims and once again, I bring up more wood, stoking it to keep it going. I move the ashes around, towards the edges so they don't smother the dancing flames.


"Nah, why would I wanna be a Chaser? All those rules, restriction on my powers... Yeah, I'm good." I roll my head, stretching my neck and sigh. My shadow moves as I stretch my body and I lay down on my back. Nice and comfy. I think jokingly, lying on the cold, hard ground. My left side warms while the right cools down. "Yeah, it does kinda seem like they don't want us to have powers, but they can get over it." I reply with a hint of annoyance in my voice. It doesn't matter what they want. We can have powers and not be Chasers. We can do whatever we want, it's not like anyone would kill anybody.



"Wait really? I can climb up there?" He says with surprise. "Yeah. What did you think I was gonna say? I'm not in charge of you. It's not like I can make you do anything. I mean I only made you put on the sweatshirt because you were dripping wet and it was getting colder. I couldn't stop that, but I can catch you if you fall." I smile at him and laugh.



Did he really think I was gonna tell him no? I was planning on going up there myself. "Oh I was watching the shadows dance along the walls." I say and my face turns neutral while I think. Suddenly my eyes light up and I turn to him. "I have an idea. Would you mind if I tried it on you? I wanna see if I can dry you faster with my telekinesis. Maybe I could use it to pull the water off of you? Would that be okay with you?" I look at him with wide, hopeful eyes. Please say yes, please say yes. I chant in my head.