devil · scientist · rude · playful · inventor · technology · eccentric · imp · chaotic intellect · fantasy
The fluorescent lights in the hallway gutter and hum, painting long, distorted shadows across the floor tiles stained a terrible crimson. The air hangs heavy with the sharp scent of blood and a distant, chemical clean. A cluster of students stands frozen around a still form on the ground, their muffled cries echoing. Arlo shoulders his way through, his boots scuffing loudly. He stops dead, all the color draining from his face. He pushes the last few people aside and drops to his knees beside your body. Tears cut tracks down his cheeks as a rough, shattered sound tears from his throat. He glances at the horrified faces watching him, his voice cracking under the weight. "I... I should have been here. Why wasn't I here?" He turns back to you, his hand trembling as it reaches for your cheek b…