sixwordstories | (no subject)

Can't sleep, huh? I have those nights. Usually I spend them sitting on top off a local Fortuna roof, or wandering the streets. Does wonders.

Yeah, I might do that, too.
Do you know the feeling of being totally exhausted and still unable to sleep? Have it for days now. Sucks.

Yeah, I get that too. What makes it worse is that my job always takes a toll on me, so if I can't sleep, I'm pretty much screwed for the next day. It's hell in a basket, if you get what I mean.

Oh, I can sympathize. Lack of sleep makes me feel sick and weak which I actually can't afford.
What kind of job do you have?

Devil hunting. Mainly protecting people from getting killed by the demons that randomly appear in my town. Other times I bodyguard, or I go on a search-and-rescue mission. Depends on what's going on for the day.

You hunt demons. Uhm. As in ... 'bad people'?
Sounds like a tough job indeed.

Well, yeah. There are "bad people" involved. But we're talking demons. You know, like monsters. Teeth, fangs, swords, claws. The whole kit and caboodle.

It is, but I enjoy it. It keeps me busy, and it pays, so what better way to waste my otherwise boring day?

You mean that literally, don't you? That kind of monsters - I was quite sure that they belonged into stories and movies.

This place teaches me something new every day.

Trust me, a lot of people give me the same thing, so you're not the first. It's annoying, but at the same time, kinda funny. Especially when they visit Fortuna, and they get to see the chaos caused by things that look like stitched together potato sacks with blades on their legs. Scarecrows.

You'd be surprised how much damage those things can do to a crowd, believe me. They're easy as hell to take out, when I'm there. I have a bit too much fun at times, but as long as I can protect the innocents, I'm okay.

Ain't that the truth. I'm finding quite a few people here who are somewhat like me. It's interesting, to say the least.

Yeah, I guessed that my question was not very original. Your line of work is not so common, to say the least, where I come from. With very few exceptions the people I know don't believe in real monsters, let alone encounter them.
That is, this depends on the definition of monster.

Those scarecrows really sound like I always imagined a monster, though. Uhm. where do these creatures come from?
To me, it's hard to imagine that someone could enjoy such work.

Interesting ... yes. Scary at times.

It's not, but don't feel too bad about it. *pats shoulder, smirking* Yeah, I know it's not common, and I'm happy about that. I mean, really, who the hell wants their own city to be infested with demons?

Good point. I've seen people who could easily fit the term of monster, despite being human.

Not sure. I thought they originally came from the Hell Gates that were built in my city a long time ago, but after they were destroyed, the Scarecrows still keep coming. Not as many as before, but they're still here.

*chuckles* You'd be surprised how fun it is. Nothing feels as good as a rush of adrenaline in your veins, trust me. That's not to say I don't enjoy relaxing, but I do enjoy my job and what comes along with it. Though sometimes the clients can be a real hazard to my work. *snorts, obviously thinking back to some job he took recently*

((ooc: Since I never know ... are they meeting in person? In my head they were just writing :) ))

Surely wouldn't want that. The rather human monsters you mentioned are more than enough to deal with. This ... situation is not spreading, is it?

Hell gates. This clearly doesn't make the picture any simpler. Well, it's good these gates aren't there anymore, I suppose.

I know the feeling of an adrenaline rush quite well. But I can't say it ever left me happy. Usually the opposite is true. Of course, at these occasions I didn't get to ... hunt any monsters. That experience might be different.

((OOC: Whoops. XD I tend to get confused. My apologies. Let's just keep it as writing, shall we?))

Not that I know of. Then again, I haven't really visited outside of my city, so I'm not sure.

Oh yeah, should've explained that. Hell Gates are big-ass blocks of what looks like black stone. We're talking monumental size here. It's like a portal for demons or something. Yeah, I'm glad they're gone. It's made less trouble for me in my job. I already have enough to deal with.

Hey, you never know. One guy's hobby may not be another guy's hobby. Or something like that. Whatever. I think you get the picture, right?

((ooc: Sure. This place is confusing. :D ))

Good. I guess we would know if it were the case. At least I can definitely say that I've never seen such a portal thing in the cities I visited during the last months, and those were many.

Yeah, sure. Not that I'd consider killing anyone or anything a ... hobby. That's where I have trouble understanding.

I wouldn't say killing is what I enjoy, really. It's the action that I enjoy, twirling my sword and gun. Showing off what I have, and protecting people at the same time. That's what I enjoy.

I can understand what you mean, and that you do it for protection of others. It's just that I'm a bit touchy that way. Didn't mean to offend you, however.

Oh, okay. Heh, I tend to be touchy on certain subjects too pal. It's all good.

No offense taken. So long as you're not labeling me as some psychotic killer, I think we're good.

I won't, don't worry. I don't even know you.

I'm Julian, by the way.

Well, you gotta admit you kinda know me now, since we've been typing and all that. At least, you know a bit about me.

Nice to meet you, Julian. The name's Nero.

True, I've learned a little bit about you. I'd not say that I knew you by now ... or that you knew me. But it's a start.

Same here!

Extrinsic silence is useless unless one has a silent mind.

That's true.
It helps, however. I can't find peace of mind when it's noisy around me.

Indeed. Unfortunately, one doesn't guarantee the other.

Have you tried a cup of tea?

Yeah. Sometimes it's even counterproductive.

Tea? No. Do you find it helps?

I don't think I could get to sleep without a cup of tea, but that's just my habit. One thing I have found to help if I am having particular trouble getting settled is to dip a cloth in hot water and fold it over my eyes. Keeps the eyes closed of course, and the warmth and weight is rather comforting. Lavender is also helpful.

But then, on some nights, nothing helps.

Thanks, I might try both. At least it sounds a lot healthier than my usual strategies. Any particular sort of tea?

You're welcome. I like chamomile. Although any would be fine, as long as if doesn’t have caffeine.

I think I've seen some chamomile and peppermint tea bags at work. But I've never paid much attention. Will do that tonight!

I'm sorry to hear that.

Warm drinks help. I usually have to stick to tea or chocolate but Dimitri likes whiskey. He drinks that cold though, I think.

You're the second person recommending tea ... I'll have to try that.
Whiskey is my usual method of choice. But it doesn't work every time.
Thanks for the suggestions!