[Closed] They're changing my future...

[argone]

WHO: Kara Ellis and Sigmund Klim
WHERE: Tisse Streets
WHEN: 6/2, evening
WHAT: Kara discovers a new power, by being hit by a bus.
WARNINGS:Warning for descriptions of car wrecks, blood. Also language.




Going out with co-workers after work was something of a rarity because Kara wasn't really in the habit of leaving campus, but after a bit of wheedling by the Dean she'd been convinced to go to a dinner to celebrate the end of term. That had gone pretty well, she hadn't had any major problems, and now it was time to head home. Figuring she could use the exercise, she'd set out with Klim to head back towards the garage they'd gotten across Tisse.

Idle conversation is what it is. No big deal.

"So, you think they'll give us that big grant? I know I got my personal one from the state, but the department could really use that."

Comments

[meowchanics]

"Putting it lightly. I still can't believe one student managed to trip over every damn thing in that lab." Sigmund allows himself a sigh, idly twirling his car keys around his finger to keep himself awake. Socialising isn't something he minds under most circumstances, but it's hard to be normal in this off-colour half-world - especially on evenings when you have to do it sober. "But who're we to put a damper on that, when they sounded so optimistic?"

Up ahead, above the lengthening shadows, the stop light at a pedestrian crossing shines merrily in a truly offensive lime green.

[argone]

"Right? Who knew. I don't really know what to make of that kid, but I don't think it's lab work in his future"

Kara snorts, stepping up to the edge of the sidewalk. She actually does look both ways, because hey this is the big city. And seeing nothing, takes a step out into the street ahead of Sigmund. She's not in any real hurry, but may as well talk the walk while it's safe.

And that's when it happens. Tires screech as something comes around a corner at top speed. A bus, blasting past a red light in an effort to make up for lost time on it's rounds...and it's aimed right for Kara. Kara, who is just addled enough by drinks that she's unaware and just out of arm's reach from her colleague...

[meowchanics]

"I dunno, it's one form of attention to detail -"

The sound, high and grating, registers with him first. That sound. The Doppler effect. Time stops. Something crunches. What exactly is -

- fuck.

He starts forward even before he calls out, before the shock has a chance to set in - but the bus, too, is already there. "Hey! Kara!"

[argone]

Time seems to come to a crawl as the bus slams into Kara. Glass shatters, metal screams in protest, but there's no other sound. No telltale thud, no wet smacking sound of a human body hitting pavement, nothing. There's no blood, no scream. Only the clatter of glass and metal falling from the bus.

From her perspective, it's there and done in a heartbeat. A sudden pressure, a feeling of confinement, and the unmistakable feeling that Sigmund's calling her name. Reflexively she shoves a hand at the source of the pressure and steps out of the ruins of the bus's front end. A Kara-shaped indentation where it had folded around her gives way and she staggers out and shakes her head.

"...What was that?"

[meowchanics]

Screeching tyres, the angry blaring of a horn, a white-hot fear searing through every conscious thought - and then, the world itself, leaving him floating in nothingness -

What was that?

It would be wrong to say that Kara's voice out of the blue pulls him back to the present. Throws him a rope, maybe. A fraying one.

"What the fuck did you just -"

Sigmund pinches the bridge of his nose. Stop that. Both of them. Everyone. Everything. Better to focus on some part of this scenario than lose it altogether.

"Kara, the driver...? We've got cells, we should call..."

[argone]

Kara steps off the street and stops, turning to stare at...well...everything. The chaos, the noise, everything about this throws her right the fuck off. And then it hits her...

"Did I just..." she breaks off, jerking her head towards Sigmund... "Did I just get hit by a bus?!"

And without waiting for an answer she's moving in a blur, a barely visible streak tearing open the bus door and zipping inside to inspect the passengers and driver. The woman at the helm seems stunned but fine and after a quick appraisal of the few people that didn't freak out and run out of the side door, she returns to her colleague.

"They're fine...everyone...seems okay? But yeah, call."