Where The Heart Is

Internet Safety

Note: There have been multiple anon requests since the last stream requesting Callie's reaction to porn, total is 4 to date, some with specific detail. Bumping this to the top of the requests to get it done. I've never gone into graphic sexual detail on my fics, and am gonna hold to that, so I'm gonna keep this strictly to Callie's reactions. I may hint at things on the screen, but not gonna go into detail on 'em. Also combining this with the prompt, Callie being confused by modern technology (although I'll also weave that into future chapters, so it'll be more of an ongoing thing than a one-time prompt). So, this chapter does not bump the rating up, but be forewarned on the topic at hand.

….

"Okay, so according to Mystery, a good pair of waterproof gloves should last you about… fifteen minutes maybe." Arthur held out a pair to Callie, who took them curiously. "Something about you being a water spirit, I lost the rest of what he said."

"I'm sure it was all complimentary." She said wryly. She slipped her hands inside the gloves, flexing them curiously. "Now you were going to explain the device?"

"Yeah, so this is a computer. And… it's really hard to explain. But basically, for you, treat it as a fast way to find out information." He pulled up the keyboard. "You know how to write, I guess, since you can read?" At her nod, he pointed at the keyboard. "You use this to 'write' except whenever you push a letter, that's what does the writing. Don't try using this without me for awhile though, ok? Cause it only works when you have the right program open. For example," He clicked open Firefox, opening up Google search. "Anything I type in here, it'll search the information. Like this."

He typed in 'Mystery Skulls' and the page populated with all kinds of entries and searches. "See, this is all the information that we've put up online, it finds other people talking about us online, and any official entries. And look!" He clicked 'images'. "If I click here, there's Lewis and Vivi and me." His smile faltered a little. "All, um… before Lewis died… he can't really take pictures now. Anyway, you try!" He scooted out of the way. "Just try and keep away from the computer, they don't like water, they break really easily."

Callie drifted over, extending her arms out full length and pressing keys with great care to form the word "Owl."

Immediately the screen was covered with owls. Fluffy owls, angry owls, great soaring birds and tiny grumpy fluffballs filled the screen, and Callie blinked, eyes widening.

"And these are only images, like the tapestries?" She asked slowly. "Not real."

"Right, think of the internet as a place where you can find scrolls and letters about almost anything, and tapestries too. You can even get plays and probably… um…." he gestured, frowning. "Whaddaya call the music people back then?"

"Bards, minstrels."

"Whole lot of bards and minstrels." He nodded. "Try again!"

She drew her hands back a moment, thinking. "Vivi said I was like a creature out of fantasy. Then there are others she thinks of when she thinks of me, I wonder…" She reached out and slowly typed in, "Fantasy."

"WAIT CALLIE!" Arthur reached his hand forward, but it was too late.

Callie blinked slowly, perusing the images in front of her. Arthur could feel his face burning and he ran a hand through his hair. "Um, Callie, I, this, um, isn't what, um…"

"I don't think this is what Vivi meant." Callie's voice never changed as she stared at the screen. "Is that supposed to go like that?"

"UM." Arthur choked.

"Arthur," She turned toward him. "You sound uncomfortable, do you need to leave?"

He just stared at her, dumbfounded.

"You think this shocks me." She studied his face. "Arthur, I was Excalibur. Trusted sword of the King. Where do you think he kept me, in some weapons closet? A warrior keeps their sword at arm's reach at all times."

As Arthur tried to wrap his mind around what she was saying, she turned back. A few stray drops flew as she reached out again, hitting the keyboard and the computer. The screen fizzled, sparking a bit, as Google search convulsed, spitting out even more disturbing images. If Arthur had been embarrassed before, he was horrified now.

Again, Callie merely stared blandly at the screen. "I don't think that goes there." She peered at the screen. "Is that appendage even possible? Arthur… why is there a horse in the tapestries?"

Arthur grabbed the power cord, yanking it from the wall. "Lesson's over! More another time!" He scrubbed his face with his hands, sure it was beet red. He glanced up to see Callie still staring at the monitor, a melancholy expression on her face.

"It's all different, isn't it?" She said quietly. "Everything."

"Y-yeah, I'm s-sure this stuff was a lot calmer back in your day or something, sorry."

"That's not what I meant." She peeled the now sopping gloves off, dropping them to the ground. "The King made quite a few mistakes, but he loved his bride. With every fiber of his being he loved her, did you know that?" She turned to Arthur, searching his face for a drop of understanding and comprehension. "It destroyed him when she loved another. But this…" She turned back to the blank screen, "I see none of that… not in a single face in any of the tapestries. Not one…"

Arthur stared at Callie, speechless. He'd never thought of it like that.

She turned, drifting out of the room. "I think I would prefer to read from the books at Vivi's work-place." She said softly. "Thank you though, Arthur."

Arthur stared after her for a long, long time. Then he bent over, picking up her gloves, and taking them out to the dryer. Maybe at some point he could try with her again, show her what to avoid. She had to learn. He wouldn't be around forever, and how else would an anchored spirit like her get along in the world if they didn't understand the world around them?