Part Of My Adventure 2013-07-31

[TheDOCTOR]

Come on Kat, Don't back down now. So Atsali will have a 'little Sister'.

[zachariah]

Kathy has a real problem with taking Pickle. She lives in a human apartment building and fully in the human world. Would it be fair to adopt someone who could never go outside for fear of being seen? Sali can take full human form but Pickle is probably too young to take that form and hold it all the time.
the other point is would Pickle be that selfish that she would hold Sali to her promise when Sali has a chance to be adopted? Pickle obviously love Sali and wants to stay with her. But I cannot see her being willing to mess up Sali's chance at adoption just to stay with pickle. I expect Pickle to release Sali from her promise and sacrifice herself for Sali's happiness.
There is also the chance Kathy agrees to adopt both but the orphanage won't allow pickle to be adopted by a pure human. I am sure they have their rules about who can adopt which kind of paranormal.
Stay tuned folks. Answer tomorrow I think.

[Julie]

*sniffsniff* I hope Castela can go with them too...though she's probably a bit too young to dive into this adventure, so they may need to come up with a solution for her until after the adventure's over. We shall see I guess...

[ziggy78eog]

It is Castela's expression, in the third panel, that really sells it. She realizes that she might be losing her "big sister", that they might be separated, forever. But being true to her word, Atsali is not going to leave her behind; a really touching moment. Katherine might need to get a bigger apartment.

[illiad]

well I guess they will have to get castela used to wearing 'fancy hats' or saying ' they are only plastic, dress up horns...

or even the library has a good job for her.. while atsali is out doing things???

[kingklash]

If the Library can grant access via annex, why not the Orphanage? It would allow Castela and Atsali to live with Kat, and let them go to a school where they can mix and mingle with fellow Mythics. And Pickle, if she isn't a fish-munchin' munchkin, will totally go for taking care of Oscar while Mama is at work. She might be the only other person who can understand Siamese Fighting Fish, besides Kat.

[DilyV]

Oooh. This is more than Kath bargained for. I don't expect her to withdraw the offer, but I can't imagine her agreeing to take Castela too.

The flip side to the touchy feely we've all been rooting for is that I'm not so sure Kath meant "like adoption"... She may have only been talking about working more with Atsali. Atsali, an orphan, jumped to the only conclusion in her heart... to be adopted. It's likely that Kath might be having that 'oh, crap' moment right about now when she realizes that maybe she didn't speak plainly enough. Right about now it would be dawning on her that there's no way she can say no, even though adoption might not have been her intent.

I don't know... it's not plain enough to me what was meant here but it sure shows you what can happen in real life when you don't speak plainly enough. People get the wrong ideas about what you mean. Kind of the difference between saying "I don't think I want to do that" and "No". One leaves room for doubt while the other is unequivocal.

Here's hoping that Kath weighs her options and votes for adoptions.

[DilyV]

Kathy has a real problem with taking Pickle. She lives in a human apartment building and fully in the human world. Would it be fair to adopt someone who could never go outside for fear of being seen? Sali can take full human form but Pickle is probably too young to take that form and hold it all the time.
the other point is would Pickle be that selfish that she would hold Sali to her promise when Sali has a chance to be adopted? Pickle obviously love Sali and wants to stay with her. But I cannot see her being willing to mess up Sali's chance at adoption just to stay with pickle. I expect Pickle to release Sali from her promise and sacrifice herself for Sali's happiness.
There is also the chance Kathy agrees to adopt both but the orphanage won't allow pickle to be adopted by a pure human. I am sure they have their rules about who can adopt which kind of paranormal.
Stay tuned folks. Answer tomorrow I think.

I could see Atsali, at fifteen, rationalizing like that Zach but sadly, Pickle is way too young to have developed past her own wants, needs and feelings. Its not so much that she's cold and uncaring, just a matter of learned behavior. It's not something she's old enough to have experienced much and understand at this point.

It's possible that Castela is the same age as Atsali, with her species running towards the small size regardless of age, but I'm not thinking that's the case. Castela's actions that we've seen so far are on par with someone maybe five or six years old.

[Dave]

I could see Atsali, at fifteen, rationalizing like that Zach but sadly, Pickle is way too young to have developed past her own wants, needs and feelings. Its not so much that she's cold and uncaring, just a matter of learned behavior. It's not something she's old enough to have experienced much and understand at this point.

It's possible that Castela is the same age as Atsali, with her species running towards the small size regardless of age, but I'm not thinking that's the case. Castela's actions that we've seen so far are on par with someone maybe five or six years old.

That's how it appears to me, also. Unless her species' development is rather different than ours, I don't think she's reached "the age of reason" yet, and her ability to empathize isn't yet really formed. In humans at least, I don't believe this is entirely a question of "learned behavior" - it also involves the physical maturation of the brain.

Atsali, on the other hand... by saying what she did, as quickly as she did, she showed herself to be an adult in a very important way. She was knee-deep in hurt and self-pity for a short while, but snapped out of it the instant she saw how she'd hurt Pickle by snapping out as she did. And, now, she's been offered what might be the restoration of a hope she'd thought was lost... and she's willing to risk that hope in order to stay true to her pledge not to abandon Pickle.

"The third principle of sentient life is the capacity for self-sacrifice: the conscious ability to override evolution and self-preservation for a cause, a friend, a loved one." (Draal, "Babylon 5")

[Timotheus]

http://www.selkiecomic.com/

(edit, Where the heck did all those posts come from? This is the Selkie I was saying I thought Pickle reminded me of a little.)

[zachariah]

I could see Atsali, at fifteen, rationalizing like that Zach but sadly, Pickle is way too young to have developed past her own wants, needs and feelings. Its not so much that she's cold and uncaring, just a matter of learned behavior. It's not something she's old enough to have experienced much and understand at this point.

It's possible that Castela is the same age as Atsali, with her species running towards the small size regardless of age, but I'm not thinking that's the case. Castela's actions that we've seen so far are on par with someone maybe five or six years old.

six year olds are capable of making such decisions out of love, not out of being rational. She loves Sali and wants her to be happy, which Pickle clearly realized she is not. So out of the bigness of her heart she could, and probably would, make the choice to let Sali go. She would be hurt and sad to lose Sali but she would be so very happy that Sali was adopted. Never underestimate a child's ability to make adult like decisions based on how they love someone else. Often I've found they understand a lot more than you think they do as well.

[Yamara]

Oooh. This is more than Kath bargained for. I don't expect her to withdraw the offer, but I can't imagine her agreeing to take Castela too.

The flip side to the touchy feely we've all been rooting for is that I'm not so sure Kath meant "like adoption"... She may have only been talking about working more with Atsali. Atsali, an orphan, jumped to the only conclusion in her heart... to be adopted. It's likely that Kath might be having that 'oh, crap' moment right about now when she realizes that maybe she didn't speak plainly enough. Right about now it would be dawning on her that there's no way she can say no, even though adoption might not have been her intent

But we've lately learned a great deal more of Kath's origin story, too.

Spider Woman knows that with great power comes great responsibility.

[Sidhekin]

Kath could handle six, I bet.

(Oscar, Atsali, Castela ... halfway there.)

But yeah, the needs of the paranormal must be considered.

[NOTDilbert]

Since MSP seems to be the epicenter in the upper midwest for paranormals and mythics, I bet there's little-known stores and such with mythic clientelle. Monica's bra shop is practically there....

[zachariah]

Imagine the home inspection for adopting a paranormal.

1. Fire suppression system: Water, Chemical, HALON, Fire Proof Furniture.
2. Structural: Re-enforced concrete with carbon fiber rebar. Bullet Proof windows to resist throw toys. Floor load limit meet minimum level of 4000 psi.
3: Privacy: X-ray, ESP, EMP, and EMI shielding
4: First Aid: Full Scale Trauma Kit. Parent trained as EMT. Bandage material compatible with biochemistry of child.
5: Diet: Parent has access to proper food for the health of the child. Parent knows how to prepare the food. Parent does not become sick from seeing or smelling the food.
6: Education: Are schools available that are able to accept and teach the child. Are suitable playmates available for child to interact with when playmates and child are safe from each other. (Worst of all will child consider playmates as a food source).

[Mark N]

If the Library can grant access via annex, why not the Orphanage? It would allow Castela and Atsali to live with Kat, and let them go to a school where they can mix and mingle with fellow Mythics. And Pickle, if she isn't a fish-munchin' munchkin, will totally go for taking care of Oscar while Mama is at work. She might be the only other person who can understand Siamese Fighting Fish, besides Kat.

Kath could also move to a place with a better environment for a pair of paranormal youngsters with the help of MIB and "Auntie Jin". We also do not know Kath's net worth either for a better place.

[Mark N]

It has occured to me that this strip could have been called "Atsali's Choice"

(places a vintage copy of 'Sophie's Choice' in the jar"

[Dave]

Since MSP seems to be the epicenter in the upper midwest for paranormals and mythics, I bet there's little-known stores and such with mythic clientelle. Monica's bra shop is practically there....

Considering the number of not-quite-human-looking paranormals and mythics who seem to be able to "pass" in that area, I'd bet there's a franchise of Glamour Girl doing a brisk business. Possibly they can set up Castela with something suitable?

[KnightDelight]

Castela may let Atsali off the hook, but I seriously doubt Atsali will let herself off, regardless of what Castela, or anyone else says. Of course that nice woman with her Taurus son might be willing to take Castela.

As has been mentioned, as to their needs, the two will have a potload of "aunts" to help out in whatever way is required. No doubt the Library has many books on the care and feeding of every paranormal there is. Auntie Phix and Auntie Nudge can take of locating them. Heck, maybe Uncle Tepoz can come by and poit them to and from para-school. Wouldn't be surprised if the Library can take care of that too. Like waiting for a school bus. They stand ready with their lunch pails and backpacks at 7:45AM sharp. Well, they better be ready since they would probably get poited prepared or not.

The thing to really dread is the onset of puberty. Just like any teen.

I think Kath would take Castela. I mean could you say no to that cutie? Besides, Castela has Kath's eyes. A few fewer "pupils" but otherwise they match.

[ChattaStarhawk]

... Heck, maybe Uncle Tepoz can come by and poit them to and from para-school. ...

Except Tepoz cannot "poit!" I seem to remember others doing the 'den mother' task for him.