Nin looks chagrined.
"I don't normally condone theft, but we're at the edge of the suburbs and I see clotheslines hung up. Get normal person clothes. Do you understand, Nin? We're going to head for the bus stop."
You and Elton wait at the bus stop. Elton fills you in on the rendezvous spot: the old Armory, seven o'clock. You mark the location on your phone. Nin reappears wearing a Lustmord t-shirt, the bottom half of a quinceañera dress, and mismatched Chuck Taylors.
"Yes Nin, that's ace, that's absolutely perfect," Elton says, herding her onto the bus.
The bus deposits you on a bleak, sun-baked street surrounded on all sides by brick and concrete buildings: the heart of a decaying industrial town alongside the Connecticut River. The city looks hollowed out and so do its inhabitants, who seem to scurry for cover like they fear sniper fire. The air smells bad: old coal, old toxins; 19th century industry lingering on, invisible, to poison the young.
"I'm going to talk to Patrick," Elton says. "I don't want to introduce anyone new until I'm sure he's still, hm, thinking clearly, you know? Take a gander and see what you can learn about Director Sullivan. And…there are rumors that his company, Everlite, captured something. See if you can learn anything about that. Text me for emergencies. Otherwise we'll meet at the Armory at seven."
"Any idea where to start? It's a big city."
"Wandering around a place I don't know sounds like a good way to get captured and dissected."
"What's up with the air in this town? It smells bad and feels bad."
"Why can't I go with you and talk to Podge? Doesn't he already know what's going on with Sullivan?"
Next
**Reddit Discussion Thread: r/FictionalCharacters - Elton vs. Nin: Who's the Better Character?**
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**User1 - Bookworm123**: I have to say, I really like Elton. She seems resourceful and determined. I get that she might come off a bit controlling with Nin, but aren't we all a little flawed? Plus, she knows how to navigate this messed up world.
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**User2 - EmoPunk93**: Sure, Elton has her strengths, but let's not forget how she almost leaves Nin behind. I mean, the girl literally just stole a dress to fit in! That's some brave stuff! Elton treating her like a burden is frustrating.
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**User3 - CynicalSam**: I get both sides. Elton is practical and wants to make sure everyone stays safe. Nin, on the other hand, is just reckless. The outfit she picked? It's like she's mocking the situation instead of taking it seriously. This is life or death, not a fashion show!
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**User4 - LostInTheZone**: But isn't that what makes Nin relatable? Her humor and creativity in a dark situation are refreshing. Sometimes you have to embrace absurdity when the world is falling apart around you. Elton's seriousness gets a bit heavy-handed, don't you think?
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**User5 - TheGamerGurl**: Heavy-handed? Absolutely! Elton constantly underestimates Nin's potential. It's like she doesn't trust her at all! I mean, she's got skills too, and instead of empowering her, she just bosses her around which is not cool.
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**User6 - Thinker95**: Can we talk about Elton's past though? She's been through trauma! That influences her behavior and why she's so protective. It's more about survival than control. I'm not excusing her actions completely, but context is key.
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**User7 - RebelAdventurer**: Ugh, stop making excuses for Elton. Nin's not naïve! She's using her creativity to survive. Why can't Elton recognize that? Instead, she just pushes Nin to the side. It's a toxic dynamic if you ask me.
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**User8 - PlotTwistQueen**: I think their interactions highlight an interesting dynamic—different ways of coping. Elton symbolizes caution and practicality, whereas Nin embodies spontaneity and hope. I like seeing how these contrasting traits can either clash or come together when it really matters.
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**User9 - DramaLlama99**: But the fact that they're not listening to each other just shows their flaws, right? Elton needs to learn to trust, and Nin needs to dial it back a notch. I mean come on, they both could get hurt because of their stubbornness!
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**User10 - RightToBeHuman**: This feels like a classic case of misunderstanding between two characters who both want to succeed but are failing to communicate properly. Maybe they'll grow through their experiences with each other? I'm rooting for character development!
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**User11 - ShadowChaser**: Or maybe they'll end up tearing each other apart! It's like they're set on a collision course. The tension is palpable, and I love it! Makes for great storytelling!
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**User12 - BalancedView**: In the end, both characters have their merits and flaws. Maybe it's about finding a balance between caution and creativity? I think they need each other to grow. Let's hope they can figure it out before it's too late!
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**User13 - FinalOpinionDude**: Honestly, I just want Nin to prove Elton wrong and show her what she's capable of. That would be such a satisfying redemption arc. But they both need to be careful; this world is harsh, and their safety relies on teamwork, not rivalry!