Before & After [Silica/Invite]

A light snap was audible, as if to beckon forth something. Reality, seemingly bending a knee to an unknown presence, brought the titular penguin Empy to the scene. The avian fuzzball plopped onto Alexander's shoulder from above. It appeared: from within the parasol, no less! Unblinking, as usual, the penguin secured its footing atop its "owner's" top-end joint. The Father provided a acknowledging glance. It was always good to see Empy. Of course, this was ignoring how peculiar it was for one such as it to be within the southern islands. Oh well.

The streets, adjacent or otherwise, were evidently more populated than before. Strangers, the occasional performer, nighttime get-togethers, etc. The night life was approaching full-swing; albeit far more so beside the nearest beaches. Alexander sharply exhaled to himself. West City may never sleep due to its products and production, but South City seemed like the exact opposite. Good thing there was an auxiliary Hope House location out in these islands. In fact, as of late, the option was certainly more appreciated. Regardless, there was still work to do.

A familiar mobile device was procured from Alexander's left pocket. With a meager swipe, a trio of overlapped windows surfaced. Leading himself into the outer portion of pathway, the Father had his parasol veered inwards, towards other pedestrians and overland vehicles. Empy was further secured, and so was this device's privacy. Well, to an extent. Gazing downwards some, detail was caught from his previously peripheral vision. A cramped messaging window was alight with conversation. Several family members were still idle at this time; yet, meanwhile, numerous Soldier ranks (and "vendors") kept to the night shift, actively. Once upon a time, it was a luxury the House would practice. These days: there was no choice in the matter. Patrols and surveillance was mandatory. Any lingering Ancient Saiyans could be anywhere!

Alexander's curiosity was promptly interrupted by a raucous fit of vibrations. Slowing his pace to assess the ruckus, the messaging window erupted in additional conversation. Granted, it wasn't anything particularly profound. A sharp, chuckling exhale exited the Father's nostrils. Dumbasses. Grasping his mobile device, another jitter blended in with the phone's jostling. Lex muttered to himself as he began swiping to and fro.

"Love to remind them that this is public some days."

The messages were indeed open to the remainder of the House, albeit the network itself was far too encrypted to be considered "public". Nonetheless, the screenshot worth a fruitful reaction was cropped, saved, and preserved for later.


Anyway, where was he? Oh, yes, Silica. Their previous encounter ended somewhat... abruptly. With any luck, this time around would be less fruitless. More fortunate, now that they're acquainted, yes? Then again, these days were rather busy. Perhaps Miss Dyer had her own sudden tribulations to overcome recently. Just as Alexander was bound to leave the young woman well enough alone, a street sign caught his eye. Actually, never mind that. It was just Lizard Street. Just good old, perfectly normal --

Wait a minute.

Alexander's eyes grew wide. Evidently undergoing a double-take in the process. Lizard Street?! As Silica began to venture beyond its furthest corner, a figure once perpendicular to her leapt! An exaggerated bound navigated both the Father and his perpetual penguin partner across the street. Empy somewhat clawed into its "owner's" shoulder as they both plummeted. Barely diminished in weight via the common parasol, however, the duo descended nearby without much delay. Touching down just within the sidewalk boundary, Alexander approached in a haste.

"Hey!"

Alexander attempted to clasp a palm upon Silica's right shoulder. Regardless of any potential success, however, he continued.