Ilya Asks Sweet Lady A Question ... But Not *The* Question
Summer 2021, Week 3
Sunday midday
William Side Diner, Museum District
Ilya Medvedev
Ilya showed up, as promised, the following Sunday having worked a shift at the zoo on Saturday. This time he wore some cutoff shorts (that, let's be honest, only Ilya could make manly) and a basic white t-shirt. His smile was infectious as he greeted everyone in the area. With his hand on the door to the diner, he stopped and shouted out to a passerby. "Sir! You have beautiful hair! Be good!" He waved with his free hand and then stepped into the restaurant. He walked over to the counter and slid onto one of the stools. There was no sign of his favorite waitress, but another stopped to greet him shortly. They all knew and loved him, of course. He inquired as to whether or not his sweet lady would be in, but they let him know it was her day off. They were expecting him though and he was welcome to anything at the diner that day as he worked outside on the bushes. He thanked her and went back out to his truck to get his tools. He took his sketches out and sat on the ground in front of the diner. He spent some time making sure that what he'd imagined would do well in this space. When he was satisfied, he stood up and got to work. An hour in, he was barefoot and shirtless, bits of leaves and branches strewn about, carving his artwork into the landscape.Sofia Taylor
Normally she counted down the hours until her shift was over and the days until the weekend would arrive. She didn’t hate her job; most of her customers were great and her boss was a decent human being who never ever raised his voice at her, even if she made a mistake. But people who worked in the service industry never truly enjoyed it enough to willingly return on a day off. Unless you were a fool named Sofia. The girl even put on her favourite summer dress, the one that matched with her eyes and had hidden images of Cthulhu deep within the light green toile print. Despite working full time at the diner just to be able to afford the comforts she needed and the small luxuries she desperately wanted, Sofia wouldn’t miss this for the world. This being Ilya ...and of course, his ursine sculptures. One could almost consider it a luxury, yes? And boy was she feeling positively spoiled when she came upon his shirtless form in front of the diner. In fact, the redhead stopped dead in her tracks and simply gawked at the man for a few seconds. For more than a few seconds. Staring is rude! Say hello or something, Sofia. This is borderline harassment. You don't like it when people do this to you, why would you return the favour? Regardless of how much she berated herself, the addled woman couldn't do much save for breathing (hopefully like a normal person would) and watching the man work.Ilya Medvedev
He didn't notice the woman standing behind him. When Ilya is in the middle of his artistry, nothing else exists. It's as if he becomes one with the nature surrounding him, breathing it in, editing it as if he were God himself. Even more curious, it seems as if nature gives in and flows with him rather than spurning his edits. It's a sight to see. Back in Russia, crowds would gather to watch him for hours, entranced. Americans might liken it to Edward Scissorhands, where at times there was a flurry of activity and a shower of nature coming down around him as his hands fly around cutting here and there. Then there was a pause. He walked backwards, taking in his progress thus far. It was coming along nicely, but he needed another one of his tools for the next bit. He sighed, happily, turned around and took a few steps towards his toolbox. His eyes met with Sofia's and his breath caught ever so slightly. He noticed her body language and smiled knowingly. "Sweet lady! Ilya is so happy to see you. How is my sweet lady today? They told me not to expect you."Sofia Taylor
Johnny Depp couldn’t hold a candle to Ilya, that much was certain, even as Captain Jack Sparrow -- and that character definitely made Sofia’s heart throb whenever she saw him on screen. The woman has been beguiled by the man’s level of artistry and it wasn’t until he spoke did the spell finally break. Kind of. The woman had to stop herself from biting her bottom lip and instead, displayed a bright smile. “H-hey, Ilya! Yeah, today was my day off, but I wouldn’t forgive myself if I missed this.” She gestured with a free hand to the bushes and stuff. Her other hand was tightly clasping a brown leather tote bag against her body. Did she just stammer? What was it about this man that made her forget how to act like a normal person? "Did they offer you a drink or a snack? Do I need to get you something?" The woman was greatly flustered, and it clearly had nothing to do with him calling her 'my sweet lady'. Right? Right.Ilya Medvedev
"No!" She had never heard him be so stern before. It was surprising, given his normal cadence is normally so sweet and caring, and he emphasized it with a strike of his hand to the air. "My sweet lady will not work on her day off. No. Today, you should be waited on. Would you like Ilya to get you a chair? Or would you rather get out of this heat? Ilya does not normally take breaks, but he will for you. We can have a bite to eat together. Ilya can ask you his question. You tell Ilya what would make my sweet lady happy."Sofia Taylor
She unconsciously flinched at his stern tone, but it was quick and her body only stayed tense for just a split second. Trying to cover up her actions, she raised a hand to brush away some stubborn strands of hair from her face that had somehow escaped the messy bun at the nape of neck, pretending it had got into her eyes. Another smile and she tried to make it more brilliant than before. Here he was trying to treat her like some delicate damsel that was in distress, and it only served to make her even more nervous around him. He wanted to ask a question of her? Oh my god. What could it be? “I, uh, just got here, Ilya. The walk wasn’t even that bad, but if you wanted to sit down and have a drink... -- We can have a drink. That will work. Okay, sure. Yeah, cool. But I don't want to interrupt you." Sofia couldn't make up her mind and it was plain to see.Storyteller
The entire world of New Victoria, somehow, pays attention to this conversation. They don't ask questions; it just is how it is. The world suddenly experiences happiness.Storyteller #2
This is a fact. Even the gods above listened in.Ilya Medvedev
"Here, allow me." He puts down the tool and places it in his toolbox, locking it up, then casually walks over to Sofia. He stops a few feet away and reaches for her face, but quickly pauses. "Is sweet lady okay with Ilya's touch?" Sofia seemingly lost her voice and just nods. With her consent, he continues his movement and takes a small section of hair from either side of her face. With one, he tenderly pushes it behind her ear. With the other, he curls it around his finger and lets it fall so that it gently frames her face. "There. Sweet lady is very beautiful today. It is good to see you not in uniform." He turns to stand next to her and offers her his arm. "Walk with me, yes?"Sofia Taylor
It took every ounce of her willpower to not melt into a puddle right then and there, but she may have inadvertently stopped breathing for however long it took for him to readjust her hair. What was actually happening right now? I am not some love-struck fool to be undone with a mere touch. Snap out of it, woman. Breathe, one-two-three, breathe... Somewhat light-headed and with a dazed stare affixed to his face, Sofia hadn’t heard anything before his ‘yes’, so she did the most appropriate thing a sensible person would do in her situation and agreed anyways. “...Yes...” He could have asked her to burn down an orphanage or something and she would have said yes. Oh! Why was he offering his arm like that? Oh God, we’re going somewhere? Dazed and confused, Sofia wordlessly accepted his proffered arm.Ilya Medvedev
He guided them into the diner, stopping to hold the door open for her with a flourish. As soon as the cooled air hit his chest, he realized he was still unclothed. Ilya made sure that Sofia was seated at a table and then quickly went outside to reassemble himself. He slipped on his shoes and shirt, tucked away all of the tools, and then went back inside and slid gracefully into the booth on the opposite side of Sofia. "Remember, sweet lady, you may work here, but you do not work here today. Let them come to you. Order whatever you'd like, Ilya is buying, and I won't hear no so do not even try."Sofia Taylor
Like she could ever say no to him. Refer back to the aforementioned burning down of orphanages and any other sacrifice he’d ask of her, because he clearly was a practitioner of the dark arts and that was the only logical explanation to any of this. To why she was acting like a damn fool. “Please, Ilya... I--” A bespelled Sofia had tried to protest at first, but at his insistence, she eventually stopped resisting and upon a shaky breath gave her order. “A slice of cherry pie and a coffee, please. No sugar, no cream. Thank you...” Gratitude was mumbled out softly and she was glad they were sitting at a booth, because that meant she could hide her fidgeting hands in her lap.Ilya Medvedev
"Sweet lady makes smart choices. Pie, yes. Ilya would like Dutch apple pie and coffee. I must go get something." He taps the table softly and then holds up a finger as he slides out of the booth. He jogs over to his truck and opens some sort of compartment in the center console. Jogging back to the diner, the same flask from the other day glints in his hand. He winks at Sofia as he slides back into the booth. "Ilya's milky concoction transforms coffee. Promises. Did you want to try?"Sofia Taylor
A flash of recollection and the girl vaguely remembered the flask he brought with him the last time he visited the diner, which in turn, reminded her of the generous tip he had left. A hand shoved itself into her purse to reach for the fifty-dollar bill she had saved from that day, so she could return it to him. “Oh yeah! Yes, please, I’d love to try...” Question mark? What animal did this milk come from? She still wasn’t sure what he had been talking about then and it wasn’t very clear now, but she wasn’t going to deny him.Ilya Medvedev
"Excellent. While we wait, sweet lady, I must ask you my question. Ilya has friend. He is famous musician, part of Outcry. He is playing The Octavium on Friday. He give Ilya backstage passes. Sweet lady could come with me if she would like? Oh, and other music ... Korean people ... White Lotus? But Ilya goes for friend. So, what do you say sweet lady?"Sofia Taylor
The sweet lady nodded dumbly, her mind failing to initially comprehend what was actually happening after he asked her to go with him to ...burn an orphanage? No! A concert? Yes! “Yes!” The single word came out loudly, with much too much excitement behind it, and some of the patrons in the diner turned in their direction to see what the commotion was. She flushed out of embarrassment. “I mean, “ she cleared her throat, “I’d love to go.” God, please kill me now. "What time on Friday?"Ilya Medvedev
He chuckled at her exuberance as the coffee appeared on the table. He nodded at the waitress with a smile and ripped open one sugar packet, dumping it in. "Ilya will check with friend on concert time, but 7 pm is usual time for these things I think." He stirred the sugar and then brought out the flask. "I can pick up sweet lady at 6?" He poured a bit of the milk in and stirred, repeating a few times until he was satisfied. "We will get bite to eat and then go see loud music together." Then he offers the flask to Sofia. "You will have to give Ilya your address or if you would rather, we can meet here."Sofia Taylor
Sofia was grateful for the coffee appearing when it did and turned her attention to that, trying to ignore the sudden rise of anxiety from within her. That’s right. Concerts had loud music, loud people, and loud sounds. Shut up, we’ll be fine. “Mhmm. Six o’clock sounds fine and we can meet here. It’ll just be easier that way, I think.” That and she didn’t know what she would do with herself if he showed up at her place in all his glory. Probably die on the spot. Sofia glances over to the flask being handed to her and without any hesitation, she takes it from him and pours a bit into her coffee. Stir and sip. It didn't have too weird of a taste. In fact, it added a depth and richness to her coffee that. "Oh. Huh, interesting. What kind of milk is this? Oat, almond, a blend of something else?" Another curious sip was given as she tried to decipher what it actually was.Ilya Medvedev
"Okay, my sweet lady. Ilya will meet you here, 6 pm, Friday. It has been long time since Ilya has seen proper concert. It will be good." He sipped on his coffee and looked out the window at his unfinished work, his mind wandering to what was left. Her question about the contents of the flask brought him back. "Panda! Is good for you. Better than all those other milks. Not heavy on taste. Just slight milkiness." He cocks his head and gestures with his finger and thumb just a few centimeters apart. "You like, yes?"Sofia Taylor
And just like that, the sip she had been currently taking, was subtly dribbled back into the cup. The woman’s eyes had grown a bit wider, and she tried to hide her alarm at what he said. She quickly wiped at the corners of her mouth with her fingers. Panda milk? Was that a brand? Not the animal, right? Right? Oh, please say it’s a brand of milk named Panda. “O-oh? Yes, I do like it. Uh, what store would I go to for this particular milk?”Ilya Medvedev
"Store of Ilya!" He says with a smirk and a wink. "I gather it from the nursing pandas I work with. Is healthy. Ilya would not give sweet lady bad milks. If sweet lady would like her own stash, Ilya will do for you. But only for you! Is special treat."Sofia Taylor
Oh. Her eyebrows shot up and the coffee was placed back down at the table, never to be touched again. “Oh, I see! Yeah, it was lovely, but I would feel bad taking from pandas. Babies and... Uh, all that. Oh yeah!” Searching for anything to swerve off the topic of panda milk, Sofia then remembered about the fifty-dollar bill she had in her purse and soon it landed on the table between them, a bit crumpled. “You left this last time! It's too much, Ilya.”Ilya Medvedev
He waves her off. "It is of no consequence to the mothers. We procure it for the little ones, so we can help feed them and the mama can get her rest. Ilya does not take much. Just small bits. Ilya studied the properties. Is actually good for you. There's certain thing, uh, taurine? Science word. Helps important organs. You do yourself favor drinking it. Promise." As the money hits the table, he throws his hands up and shakes his head. "No. No. That is for sweet lady. You take good care of Ilya; Ilya take good care of you. Is all I can do. Sweet lady works so hard. Is deserved. Keep or next time it will be more." He winks at her.Sofia Taylor
The redhead had difficulty resisting his charms and found it was an impossible task to say ‘no’, especially when he was making it about her well-being. You know what? I’ve always wanted to try out the vegan lifestyle. Starting next week, maybe? “Oh my goodness. Ilya, you’re too kind to me. You know that, right?” Shaking her head softly, the crumpled bill was scooped up and deposited back into her purse. “What are your plans after the diner bear things?” She almost made the mistake of reaching for her coffee cup.Ilya Medvedev
"Nothing is planned for nows. Ilya does bears and then who knows. Free man about town!" He notices her not drinking. "Do you need different coffee? Ilya understands. Is not for everyone, my milks."Sofia Taylor
“No. No, this is fine.” But why did he have to word it like that? Mustering an ounce of bravery from deep within herself, Sofia picked up the coffee and took another sip. A very small sip. “Hey, did you hear about what happened at Henry Park?” A pained expression rippled across her face, and she turned to gaze out the window. "And then there were the bees..." The woman's murmur trailed off as she got lost in thought.Ilya Medvedev
"Sweet lady, you will not hurt Ilya's feelings. Promise. Is okay to say you do not like!" Then a darkness crossed over his face at the mention of the recent disasters. "But yes, Ilyla heard about the badness around our city. Makes Ilya very mad. Makes the Triple B stir within. Ilya wishes he could be everywhere at once, stopping the evil. Perhaps that will be Ilya's next move today. Some kind of bear patrol. No one mess with Triple B."Sofia Taylor
Sofia was three seconds away from downing the entire cup of coffee right in front of him to prove … to prove absolutely nothing. “Oh Ilya.” Laughing softly at the thought of him diligently patrolling the streets in bear form. “If only we had more people like you around this city, then it would truly be the safest place ever.” She decided to change the subject off of the grim news, even though she had been the one to start it. "So, what were your plans for the bushes out here? What kind of bears were you going to do?"Ilya Medvedev
His eyes sparkle and he takes out his phone. "Look! Here is sketch. Not much space at sweet lady diner so I come up with cute panda bear. Smaller thing, drinking tea! Or coffee." He winks at her. "Your patrons will love it. Make them want deliciousness as they come in to see you. Big tips!" He pulls up the photo and shows it to her.
Sofia Taylor
Of course, it would be a panda. Now every time she was at work, she would be constantly reminded of when she drank panda milk. Sofia leaned forward slightly for a look and couldn’t help but give a smile. “It looks perfect, Ilya. And I’m certain the customers will love it, but they definitely come here for the food, not me.” And speaking of food, voila! Two small plates are set down in front of them as well as cutlery. Sofia wasted no time in snatching up her fork and taking a small bite.Ilya Medvedev
He thanked the waitress and smiled warmly before turning back to Sofia. "That is what you think, sweet lady! Give it time. Your radiance will be the reason the people flock to William Side Diner. Ilya will help. He spread your word all over!" The meaning got lost in translation there, but it was good natured. He took a bite of his Dutch apple pie. "This too. Sweet pie. Mmmm. Is revelation for Ilya. Not quite as good as meat pie, but very close."Sofia Taylor
A fierce blush lit up her face at his words. “Please, Ilya. No no. As much as I enjoy having customers and continued employment is always nice, I really would hate for this place to get crowded. I like how ...” She gave a light sigh and shrugged. “..slow it is in this corner of my world.” Should she ask about the meat pie? Did he mean like a typical meat pie or was there a ‘special’ ingredient in it. Oh no. Was it panda too? Her face would go through a myriad of emotions: questioning, confusion, horror.Ilya Medvedev
"As you wish, sweet lady. Ilya will do for you. Only my favorites will come say hi. Cross my heart." He took another bite of his pie and made a satisfied sound. Noticing the theater play of emotions come over her, his brow furrowed. "Sweet lady? Are you okay?"Sofia Taylor
Oh fuck. It took a second, but she was able to school her features back into her default state; a bright smile. “No, sorry. I’m fine. I was just thinking about all the errands I’m putting off while enjoying your company.” This time her fork gathered a bigger piece of cherry filling and she popped that into her mouth, chewing quickly. “Your favourites are always welcome here, Ilya. As are you. My life would definitely be dull without your presence.”Ilya Medvedev
"As would mine as well, sweet lady. You make my heart sing with your company. It is favorite part of day to come have breakfast with you before work. Oh! Since you give Ilya the idea to patrol as Triple B... would you like to see Ilya in his true form? You can pet or even go for ride. It would be fun! We can walk around city, look for bad guys. I will not fight, we just notify politsiya so sweet lady stays protected. Or we just go on normal walk. Whatever sweet lady prefer."Sofia Taylor
Thank God she was sitting down, because she was certain she would have swooned over his sweet words. Make his heart sing? This was like something out of a romance movie and Sofia could barely fight against his charms. “As much as I’d love to join you while you’re in bear form and, d-did you say pet or ride-- I’m going to have to pass. I really need to get some things done and my next shift is tomorrow.” It hurt her a little to say ‘no’, but dammit, she needed to start somewhere. One more bite of pie. She was almost finished now.Ilya Medvedev
"Yes, Ilya understands. We must, as the young ones say, 'adult'. There is always next time, sweet lady. Triple B is everywhere Ilya goes! One day you will pet strong bear. Is soft! Like teddy bear, but better. Besides, I must finish tribute bear for sweet lady and then go patrol. Clearly Ilya has been slacking. Great shame."Sofia Taylor
Did she just give a dreamy sigh? Whose heart was singing now, hm? “Oh, Ilya. You needn’t take it all on yourself. I don’t know what I would do if something happened to you...” A furrow in her brow appeared and Sofia went quiet for the next few moments, focusing on eating more of her pie.Ilya Medvedev
"Sweet lady, if something happens to Ilya, you will do what we all do - keep living. Is all we can do. Good thing is Ilya transforms city into bear memorials! Everywhere you look, Ilya. You will remember and smile and go about day."Sofia
“No! Don’t say things like that. I won’t even entertain the thought of something like that happening.” The woman dropped her gaze to her nearly empty plate and sniffled softly, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes.Ilya Medvedev
"Sweet lady! No, do not cry." He dropped his fork immediately and slid a hand across the table towards her. "Is okay. Is hopefully long time before Ilya goes back to the beginning. Do not be sad, sweet lady. Do you need hug? You need hug." He didn't wait for an answer as he got up from his side of the booth and slid in next to her, wrapping an arm around her and kissing her head. Being so close allowed her to be graced with the smells of wild nature - grass, trees, the sun - and a hint of chamomile. "Please. Do not cry for Ilya. He is here. Is okay. He is here."Sofia Taylor
Before her brain could process that he was holding her hand, which would have sent her in an elated swoon any other day, she suddenly found herself much closer than she’d dreamed. Too bad she was being a sad girl to appreciate it fully. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be like this...” Fingers wiped at the corners of her water eyes and with a shaky breath to compose herself, she inadvertently breathed him in. Another fierce blush settled on her face. Oh dear Lord, he smells perfect. He is perfect. Shut up and stop crying, Sofia. You’re making a fool of yourself again. “I’m good now. Thank you, Ilya, you're too kind.”Ilya Medvedev
He gives her a gentle squeeze just before he removes his hand, but he stays sitting next to her. "You are welcome, Sofia, my sweet lady. What would you like to do? Do you need to go, or would you like to stay and watch Ilya finish making the magics? Sweet lady should end visit on good note. Not sad."Sofia Taylor
“I’m not sad anymore.” Fake it until you make it, right? Forcing a smile to her face, she gently bumps her shoulder into his. “I do want to see how you work, Ilya, but I won’t be able to stay for long.” By the time she looked over to his face, the smile was already picture-perfect. "Let's do this."Ilya Medvedev
"That's okay, sweet lady. I shall work quick! Come." He gets out and offers her a hand for assistance. She takes it and he leads her out of the diner, turning to smile at her as he puts his back into the door to hold it open. He follows behind her as she walks through and then goes to his truck to grab his tools again. He quickly remembers that she doesn't have anywhere to sit so he runs back into the diner. She can see him talking to one of the waitresses, who disappears into the back room for a moment and then comes out with a folding chair. He thanks her and returns to Sofia's side, opening it up and encouraging her to sit. Once she's settled in, he wanders back over to the topiary in its unfinished state. With one swift motion, the shirt comes back off and he removes his shoes. He takes a deep breath to center himself, wiggling his toes in the earth. Then he begins, the master with his masterpiece. His limbs move so fluidly it's as if he's underwater. The bear slowly begins to take shape under his gentle care. Occasionally he steps back to ponder his next move and take in the progress before diving back in. A small crowd had gathered on the sidewalk. Some of them were filming, others just standing in wonder. Another hour had passed when he was finally satisfied. He nodded and then turned back to Sofia. He had no eyes for any of the other newcomers. "So, what do you think pretty lady?" The bear was much as he had imagined with his sketch. It was done in the image of a panda bear with a playful grin, holding a cup of tea in its not so dainty hands. He had planted a beautiful arrangement of flowers around the bear and, surprisingly, next to the bear sat a stone table complete with a stone tea kettle and matching cups.Sofia Taylor
Feeling much like Wynona’s character in the Edward Scissorhands scene where he’s creating an angel out of ice, Sofia was absolutely speechless and could only stare at him in wonder while he worked, which had nothing to do with how he was dressed. Okay, maybe just a teeny tiny bit. Hell, she didn’t even notice the congregation of people his artistry skills had attracted. His voice pulled her out of her trance. “Oh my God, Ilya. You... you’re extraordi-- I mean it’s beautiful. It’s unquestionably perfect. It’ll definitely draw more attention now.” Speaking of attention, she started to become aware of the people that had gathered and decided that now was the best time to leave, even if deep down in her heart she really didn’t want to. She stood. “I gotta go but thank you for this. It was an honor to watch you work and now, you’re right -- I’ll be thinking of you whenever I look out the diner’s window.” Taking a step closer to him, she almost reached out to grab his hand. But Sofia was not a particularly brave girl today. Instead there was an awkward wave goodbye and she quickly turned away from him, fleeing the scene and going in opposite direction of where she needed to be. Fridayatsixfridayatsixohmygod.Ilya Medvedev
Ilya's pride was written all over his face and hearing how much she appreciated it only deepened his satisfaction. As she turned, he said softly. "See you soon, sweet lady." and then put his attention on the small gathering of people so she could make a swift exit. He stayed, patiently answering questions and taking pictures, until the last person left. Then he went about cleaning up. He swept up all of the extraneous pieces of shrubbery strewn about, not wanting the staff to have to worry about it, and then packed up his tools. He gave some serious thought to a patrol and decided here wasn't the best place to start. Too much attention and sweet lady said she didn't want too much. Always thinking of Sofia, it seems, his sweet lady.McAlpin, The Wards
Storyteller #1
Having finished his latest creation, everyone's favorite good guy decided to go out on the prowl, the prowl for bad guys. (Okay, not like a gang of them, just a few, cause we're all still on the low end of the totem pole here.) This is where we get to see him in action, folks! First, he is bush. Then he is bush with claws. Then bush with claws is a bear and he is attacking you! I love this place. Anyyyywayyy. Let's see what happens!Ilya Medvedev
He pulled his silver Chevy Silverado HD into a grocery store parking lot, his custom license plate proudly on display. He'd chosen the Shenandoah State Park design because it featured a bear.Storyteller #1
Of course.Ilya Medvedev
The kind woman working that day was able to pull some strings for him and get an extra letter added so it could say "Triple-B". The truck didn't exactly blend in, but at least it wouldn't get towed any time soon. Broken into, perhaps, but he wasn't too concerned about that. He locked his steering wheel and hid his keys in a special compartment. If it was gone, it was gone, but he'd at least try to make it harder for them. He had brought an extra pair of clothes with him, and they were stored in the back. Worst case, he'd be finding his way home buck naked.Storyteller #1
Now that's more like it!Ilya Medvedev
He jumped out of his truck as soon as the last of the sun's rays had disappeared below the horizon. "Now is good." He walked away from the truck and the grocery store and went out for a walk.Storyteller #1
Totally normal in The Wards.Storyteller #2
What was also totally normal in the Wards was a group of Weighted Scales, a small gang in the area, standing around the corner as they 'politely asked' a couple who had tragically gotten lost or their belongings in exchange for directions. The couple looked terrified as the three men with orange bandanas stood around them.Storyteller #1
This is where we ask ourselves, the audience... WWID? Let's find out.Ilya Medvedev
The scene before him set his blood to boiling. There would be no bear bush. There would be only bear. No time for sparing his clothing, he stood on the sidewalk and began to morph. It happened just as it had with Xander - there was a visibly exothermic reaction as his body began to gradually change into the big, brown bear that he was known for. A car coming down the street slammed on its breaks as there was all of a sudden a bear on the sidewalk. People knew of him and what he could do, but seeing it was something different altogether. Ilya let out a deafening roar and began charging down the street towards the culprits.[Mimic x1 Normal, -3 EP]
Storyteller #2
The gang of ruffians--yes, we use old timey words like that to avoid repeating the same terms--all turned at once to see a literal fucking brown bear just running down the street like it was nobody’s business. Okay, well, beyond just running it was heading towards them...like right at them. "Uh-uh-uh what the actual fuck!" One of the thugs shouted as he moved away from the couple--who took the opportunity to start smartly backing the hell out of dodge--as the other two thugs start to scream--in a very manly fashion. "Oh, fuck man, think that's Triple B?" Another asked. "Who?" "The fucking bear dude!" "The guy who does the bushes--they're really nice yanno" "And who also transforms into a fucking bear!" That conversation, which in fairness took all of three seconds, was long enough for the charging Ursine to clear the distance and come right on top of them. One of the braver thugs--or stupid, it’s debatable--too his knife and attempted to plug it into the side of the bear as it went after his friend to his side.Ilya Medvedev
Using the full forward momentum of his charge, Ilya bowled into the man directly in front of him sending him flying backwards, getting a heavy dose of road rash as he slid to a stop. His friend's knife wasn't quick enough to cause heavy damage, but it did manage to pierce his bear skin just enough to piss him off. He gave another roar as he rose to his full height on his back legs. His front two legs came back down on the pavement with a slam, and he lunged forward to swipe at the knife welding fool.Storyteller #2
It was at this moment, the thug knew...he fucked up "Oh shit, oh shit, oh sh--" He swiped the knife at the bears face as a massive paw smashed into him and sent him flying back onto the ground. It is also highly possible that among the shouted cries for help, the man may have indeed 'oh shit' 'ed himself. But so would you if a bear was attacking you. The third gangster, the smartest of the bunch, decided to use his brain properly and turned around before promptly sprinting away. We will ignore the fact that the first rule of bears is you don't try to outrun a bear.Storyteller #1
Look at this dumb criminal, running away. Smh. This poor chile. He clearly needed to spend more time in the Cub Scouts or somethin. Ilya sees him start to run away and... is that bear smiling? Can bears do that? Well, they can now! Get him, Ilya!Ilya Medvedev
Watching the third man run for his life, Ilya decided to put the fear of bear into him for good. Triple B began pounding the pavement as he took off down the road. His intention wasn't to attack him, however. He was going to give this man an impromptu cardiac test. So together they ran, Triple B getting in a nice little jog in as the bad guy was wishing he'd listened to his doctor about quitting smoking. He continued this for about half a mile, with Ilya nipping at his heels any time he started to slow. He watched as the panicked man began to run out of stamina and then? Then he fucked up. He stumbled as he turned to see if Ilya was still there.Storyteller #1
What are you, a woman in a horror movie? Rookie move!Ilya Medvedev
The man fell down in a big, panting heap and flipped onto his back. His feet scrambled to push him away from the bear as quickly as possible. Triple B took this opportunity to literally pounce. He gave a little run and a hop and landed with his paws on either side of the man's head. He gently sat, not bearing his full weight on the man's legs, but enough to put some pressure.Storyteller #1
Is that bear smiling again?? I love him!! Eat the little punk! Just chomp down on his criminal face!Ilya Medvedev
No, the bear did not eat him, but he was smiling. He watched the man struggle briefly and then gave another rumbling ROAR, spittle spraying all over the man's face. Then he gently stood and backed a few feet away and waited. Ilya had given him a warning. Now it was up to him whether or not he listened.Storyteller #2
Putting his hands up the man shook his head yes....then no....then just shook it, unsure if the bear was asking a question or saying something that turned into a roar. Best to be safe. "I got the message man. I get it. No more nonsense. I swear. I got it." Inside the head of the man, a telepath would hear Dear god please don't fucking eat me!Storyteller #1
Look at him! Shaking in his pussy ass boots! Finish him off, boo bear!Ilya Medvedev
The bear gave a little hop forward accented with a shorter roar and then turns and trots back. He needed to check on the couple and help with the police report. He hoped they had a blanket for him or there would be another kind of show for the public this afternoon.Storyteller #2
The couple, who had hide behind--wait for it--a nearby bear bush, slowly walked out to the bear. "You're Triple B!" The woman screams in excitement, almost jumping up and down. The man, for his part, takes off his jacket and holds it out to the bear. "Um...I don't know if you have clothes under that. But...you can use this. Also...thank you, sir. Thank you so much."Ilya Medvedev
The bear nods just before it begins to morph back into Ilya. The now very naked man quickly takes the jacket and wraps it around himself. "You are welcome, new friends, and Ilya thanks you too! Good to not flash man bits around at public people. Those 3 will not be bothering kind people any longer. Very bad people. Makes Ilya mad."Storyteller
“W-who knows what they would have done if you hadn’t shown up.” The woman stammers out. She seems well put together, a strong type. But she is clearly rattled by thoughts of what could have happened. Her husband bleeding out on some sidewalk and her…shaking herself she took a deep breath and seemed to stand taller. “You’re a hero, Mr. Ilya. You’re our hero. And we can never repay that in a way it deserves. Thank you.”Ilya Medvedev
"I am just Ilya! I am happy to help. Triple B is just more effective method of getting message across, no?" He winks at the woman. "You do not need to repay me, nice people. Promises. Be careful out there. And here." He pulls out his card and offers it to her. "I am here when you need big bear friend."Storyteller
The woman takes the card with a smile, as the husband swoops in to eagerly shake the almost-nude bear man's hand with his thanks pouring off of the enthusiastic shake. "Thank you, thank you so much!" With that, the wife seems to hold the card like it's gold as the husband wraps his arm around her and the two slowly start making their way to hopefully a better day.Ilya Medvedev
He returned the man's handshake, resisting the urge to use both hands as one was still grasping the jacket wrapped around him. As they walked off, he realized he had to find a way to get that back to them. He'd make sure of it one way or another. He walked over to the nearest officer. "Ilya could use ride back to truck for clothing before we fill out report. Are you free?" Of course, the man agreed so off the two went. The rest of the day was normal. Paperwork, reporters, then back home. He decided he would continue his patrols every afternoon he could. Clearly, he was needed.
Type
Record, Historical
Medium
Digital Recording, Text
Authoring Date
July 4, 2021
Authors
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