beleos: (Default)
beleos ([personal profile] beleos) wrote in [community profile] kenoslogs2022-10-14 03:08 pm

TDM + GAME OPENING 🎉

Who: Shard-Bearers, new and old
What: Seeds take root
Where: The Tree of Life, Highstorm, Springstar
When: October 14th and onwards
Warnings: Potential for (mild) body horror, death, dismemberment


I. BEARING FRUIT (new characters only)
It starts out as a pleasant dream. You’re in your favorite place, with your favorite people. It’s a moment of idyllic comfort.

And then, it goes wrong.

The sky turns dark above, and as you look up, you see the black expanse of space spotted with faraway pinprick lights of stars. Yet, they’re not stars. You’re certain. They’re watching you. A billion eyes all looking down, and they spill forth as if sky itself was a dam holding back those dark waters. You reach back to the people you’re with, but they’re frozen in place. Their eyes are black, reflecting only the expanse of dark eyes.

So you run, even though you know you won’t escape it. You glance back and see it not overtaking, but consuming. The landscape around you is being devoured, and you can see it cracking apart. The world itself is breaking, and it cracks under your feet. You fall, and the billion eyes chase after you until the darkness swallows you whole. There’s agony as if you’re being ripped apart, and then—

You cannot see. You cannot feel. You simply are. Yet even so, impossibly, a woman’s voice speaks gently.

I’m sorry it couldn’t be saved. But, come, it’s time to wake.

You wake with a start, cradled by soft, velvety plants, and sticky with a sap that smells faintly of honey and iron. You can see the veins of the leaves that hold you, lit warmly and gently by what looks like a crystal embedded above you. Yet, it’s odd, because that crystal calls to you. When you reach out to touch it, it’s warm. Familiar. Important. You don’t know why, but you know you must hold onto this, because now it feels wrong for it to be suspended in these leaves. So, you pull it out.

The light starts to fade, but only in time to see as the leaves cradling you immediately start to soften and crumble, and with it comes a torrent of dirt. Soft, loamy soil starts to fill the space around you in the dark as you’re buried. Or, rather, you already were. You reach out through the dirt desperately, and your hands finds a root, so you pull while you clutch that precious crystal so close that it almost feels like it sinks into you (in your panic, you don’t notice that it does). You reach out again, and this time, your hand hits open air and plenty of sturdy roots around to grab.

From a seed you’re born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.

And once you’ve clawed your way out of the soft earth and the roots, nearby, you see the soil shift. Another hand comes up to grasp desperately for something, anything, just as you had been.

II. MORAL HAZARD
There are new Shard-Bearers at the Tree of Life, and Yima has asked that the earlier arrivals go to greet them and help them. These aren’t people from Horos, after all, so they’ll have many, many questions. As Yima explains, the roots of the tree rise up to create caverns underneath, and it’s there you’ll find the new Shard-Bearers. And indeed, with careful steps to not slip on the mossy roots, down you go. Perhaps Communion will help you find the new Shard-Bearers, but it might be a confusing process for them.

The roots all start to look the same, to the point that you’re sure that you’ve already been through this passage. You turn around, and most of the people you had come here with are gone, if not all of them. It’s confusing and unsettling, and strangest of all.. You’re starting to feel ill, even if that wasn’t something normally possible for you. But continuing forward, you do eventually find an unfamiliar face of a new Shard-Bearer. They look no better than you feel.

Before introductions, however, roots around you shift suddenly until you’re enclosed in a room together. From the roots, a face forms in the wall. It speaks in a creaking, uneven tone, as if it weren’t used to speaking at all.

Give to take. A sacrifice. To live.

LET'S PLAY A GAME...

As the Dryad will explain, characters are now trapped in a room and have been poisoned by the spores that the lichens underfoot release. An antidote lays beyond the roots the dryad has curled around you, but to access it, you must make a sacrifice.

Characters can pick one of the following options, but the decision must be made unanimously. If one character takes a drastic action (such as murdering another), it’s counted as a failure for the group.

  • Each of you must offer up a personal/treasured memory. The memory will be shared in Communion with all characters assembled, and then will be destroyed. No character will retain the memory or memory of its Communion.
  • Each of you must offer up something physical. A finger, a toe, an ear, it’s your choice. The dryad will offer a knife if this is chosen that will sever the body part of choice cleanly and immediately stop any bleeding.
  • Offer up another. Kill one person in the room.
  • Refusing is also a valid option. Characters will get more ill as they debate until they start to find it difficult to breathe, and they’ll die quickly after.
The following is OOC knowledge that will not be known IC: The consequences of this game are about intent, and thus are not real. When characters are freed from the tree’s thrall, they’ll have their memories/body parts/life intact.

This can be done in groups of 2 to 4 players, and Loremasters recommend three if you can swing it! It’s more fun when you get in philosophical debates, right? Regardless, when your group comes to a decision, please record it here. These don’t have to be fully threaded out to be recorded, so the conclusion can be discussed OOC if you prefer. Actions can be submitted until October 21st, after which groups will be informed of what comes of their choice…

When a group receives the antidote, they'll be released from the tree's thrall... But will have a hard time waking up. It feels like something has grabbed onto their spine.

III. DREAMING OF HOME
You may wake with a start from your deliberations (or arguments) with a jolt of pain from the base of your spine as something is pulled away rapidly. A dark-haired man who looks to be in his thirties or so holds you carefully, but as soon as you start to regain your senses, he sets you back and holds up his hands.

Woah— Woah there, it’s fine! The tree was, uh, trying to take you back is all. You’re fine now.

As long as you’re not going to attack him, he offers a friendly smile and a hand to shake.

Name’s Cyrus. Sorry about the rude awakening. Let’s get your friend here unhooked too.

And indeed, glancing over, you can see the person you met in that room laying nearby, and it looks like a vine has snaked underneath them to exactly where something had just been pulled from you… Best not to think about it, maybe. Or if you've been unlucky enough to be one of the last people rescued, you might find vines and roots starting to grow into your skin. It's fine!

CYRUS, THE TRIBUNE

Cyrus is the NPC heading up the Meridian Faction, and is available to thread with under this header. Cyrus has come to the Tree of Life to help rescue the Shard-Bearer’s from the Tree, so he’s not going to be inclined to explain too much right away, since he’s on a mission, but he’ll stick around once everyone is successfully freed from Prompt 2 to speak with anyone that wants to. The following is just an OOC summary of information in case you do not need to thread with Cyrus:

Cyrus will gladly introduce himself to everyone, and will further explain his position in Meridian and Springstar (see the NPC Page) and the goals of Meridian itself (see the Faction Page, save for the italicized section). But most importantly, he’ll explain that he knows it sounds like something overly optimistic. It’s fair to be skeptical. He’ll produce a small glass bead from a bag he’s carrying. It looks like the necklace he wears, though not lit up. He’ll explain that the force of Meridian is a gift and can be a tether to your home, if you let it. As his fingertips light up, the energy is infused into the bead, which he’ll hand to you.

Taking the bead into your hands, you’ll take a bird’s eye view of your home world as if your consciousness is split, since you’ll still perceive standing in front of Cyrus at the tree. Rather than a vision, the view of your world is absolutely real, you’re certain. It’s a glimpse at the world that you thought destroyed, and if you focus on a particular place or a particular person, you’ll find the view shifting rapidly to it. No one you watch is aware of your presence, but simply continues about their daily life, whatever that is. But after about a minute, the view will fade as the light in the bead also fades.

That’s an iliachtida, a sunbeam, and when infused with Meridian’s light, allows someone Harmonized to it to check in on their world, he explains. It also acts as an anchor that tethers their soul to their world in the Timestream. With it, their world can’t entirely disappear, so eventually, they can go home. It’s a gift he’ll allow anyone that wants it to keep it, but indeed, they’ll be unable to use it again without first Harmonizing to Meridian.

To help manage threadload for the Loremasters playing Cyrus, we ask that you only tag him with the character you are most likely to app. Similarly, new tag-ins will not be accepted after Monday, October 17th.

III. SPRINGSTAR, αιώνιος ήλιος
After your ordeals at the Tree of Life, perhaps you’re drawn to Springstar, the city of eternal sun and the seat of Meridian.

It’s currently (and fittingly) Spring in Springstar, and the bustling city is coming back to life after finishing up winter. It’s not as if the winters are especially harsh here, but you’ll quickly get the sense that the people of Springstar are vivacious and happy to celebrate. You’ll find the Entertainment District to be the liveliest, whether it’s at a rowdy bar or a brothel, but no matter what, you’re welcome with open arms and without question.

Of course, if you’d just like to use the chance to explore the city alongside your fellow Shard-Bearers, that’s fine too. It’s easy to get lost in the crowds of Springstar and see all the city has to offer.

IV. HIGHSTORM, луны-близнецы
Or maybe Highstorm, the city of twin moons and the seat of Zenith is more to your liking. It’s certainly the quieter of the two cities and is a relaxing, meditative place if that’s what you prefer. The chill in the air is constant, since it’s Autumn in Highstorm and the eternal night doesn’t help keep things warm, exactly. Snow isn’t out of the question at this time of the year, but it’s beautiful in the moonlight.

Because of the cooler weather than Highstorm is prone to, you’ll find many of its delights inside rather than outside. Libraries and museums are popular in the more introspective city, though it’s easy enough to find something that might please you. For example, the indoor hot baths are popular at this time of the year too. You’ll find the people are kind, if cool-tempered, though if you mention the fact that you’re a Shard-Bearer or allied with Zenith, they’re more likely to warm up.

Though much like Springstar, it may just be more interesting to explore the city with a fellow Shard-Bearer. And as a resident may warn you, it’s best to stay in the city. Wandering out into the marshes and forests isn’t advised. Of course, if you do, just contact a Loremaster to find out why. ♥

NOTES
  • Welcome to Kenos! As a reminder, all players are required to fill out an application, which are now open. This does include characters/players from Aion Teleos, so please don’t forget to fill one out! Any character/player that does not submit an application will be swept from the communities and the Discord after applications close.
  • Activity Check is optional this month, but is highly recommend so Christy can check her fancy program so that you can earn Activity Reward Tokens! Activity will be able to be submitted shortly after applications close. You can find more about how we do AC here.
  • This log is Game Canon. Any characters who are not apped to the game will disappear. If Cyrus or Yima are asked, they’ll explain that this happens sometimes, since not every soul has a strong tether to Kenos and sometimes return to the Timestream. They’re fine and may even return to Kenos one day, but for now weren’t able to make the full journey.
  • As a reminder, your character has a Shard somewhere on their body that encompasses their soul, so keep note of where you're sticking it on their person for reference! Additionally, they have a tattoo of their Aspect somewhere on their body. Please be mindful this Aspect will be assigned to you upon approval and whatever you choose for the TDM may be temporary (for new characters)!
  • For the Highstorm and Springstar prompts, both cities will be fully open and accessible to all characters once they are saved from their rather harrowing ordeal at the Tree of Life. For prompt ideas and any general information about the cities and what you can find there, please see the Navigation page and check out the locations!

    FOR NEW PLAYERS:

  • New players are welcome to join our Discord Server if you haven't already!
  • When they emerge from their cocoon/the ground, characters may be wearing their normal clothes, or they might be nude. Up to you!
  • At some point in the days after leaving the Tree of Life, new Shard-Bearers will have a dream, even if they're usually not capable of sleeping. All new players should read this post, since this details how they'll learn about both factions and their goals and should help them make a decision in which Faction they'd be drawn to.
  • New characters will not have access to any canon abilities on the TDM.
  • Your character will be offered temporary housing either at the Heliopolis district or Yima's manor for the first few weeks after their arrival. They will also be given a stipend for basic supplies like clothing and personal effects, and food is served in the cantina (Heliopolis) and at regular meal times in the Dining Room (Yima's manor). Once they Harmonize, they will get personal permanent chambers and a fancy retainer in their Faction's city. Wow! 🌈

    FOR OLD PLAYERS:

  • Characters may be Harmonized to their Faction (if that makes sense for the character, of course!) by the time of this log. This is more for IC reference, and just wait until application acceptance to do the OOC paperwork!
  • General reminder that your character won't have access to their powers until they have Harmonized.

  • CODING
    sanguinary: (blorbo)

    [personal profile] sanguinary 2022-10-18 12:44 am (UTC)(link)
    [Fortunately(???) for Toge, Matsui is a wholeass alien and comes from a group of equally alien swords. If anyone could interpret ingredient-speak, it would be this guy...

    Which is to say - he definitely blinks first, momentarily perturbed by this fish jingle the lad's got going on here. But who's he to judge!! There are swords with weirder quirks, it's fine. Instead, he focuses on the gestures and what this stranger seems to be attempting to convey.]


    Ah - you would be willing to teach me? Is that it?
    sanguinary: (thonk)

    YOU LITERALLY DID THIS TO YOURSELF

    [personal profile] sanguinary 2022-10-18 12:44 am (UTC)(link)
    [AS IN HE WON'T ESCAPE BEING SHRUNK ON A FUTURE DAY?? honey i shrunk my national work of cultural importance,

    Anyway as they continue to absolutely totally be on the same page for sure, he'll just watch passively as she mimes explosions and swords and such. Nodding at the slash noises! Yeah! That's what he does!! Slash and hack, slice and dice, bloodlet through blade, as one does.]


    That. I am a sword...sman. [Smooth.] Though I— my blade is not yet here.

    [He says this calmly but he's been having entire wailing Victorian episodes about it behind the scenes, it's fine.]

    I could fight with my fists if I needed to, as well.

    [COULD HE??? HE LOOKS LIKE HE COULDN'T PUNCH A DRY SPAGHETTI NOODLE IN HALF.]
    sanguinary: (tell me your motive)

    [personal profile] sanguinary 2022-10-18 12:44 am (UTC)(link)
    [The difference is hard to identify, but maybe he picks up on a little thread of it. Though their situations aren't the same, there are some shared aspects, at least; not having the luxury of choice, being new to the idea of picking and choosing how to present oneself. Having a self to present at all.

    He looks at her for a quiet moment, though it's in the same way that he looks at everything - closer to through rather than at directly. Eventually, he'll thumb through a few pieces of both soft and sturdy leathers and fan them out so each can be seen. There's a brown close to rust, and another that's a tawnier shade, like a spring deer. There's a black that looks a step or two away from grey, and one that's so dark that it seems to have a nearly blue cast in the light when it moves.]


    Which between these do you like the look of better, then?

    [She may have said she has no preference, for one reason or another - but there's something important, he thinks, in having even the smallest bit of agency and choice in even the most seemingly trivial of matters.]
    executory: (pic#16013341)

    [personal profile] executory 2022-10-18 01:14 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Onwards, to food!!! They can figure out exactly what they want when they smell it or see it.

    In the meantime, why not continue the lovely conversation they were having before? ]


    Tch, they made you do that shi— [ hang on, maybe she shouldn't swear in front of kids ] awful game too?

    [ That's what Cyrus had said, and yet the reaffirmation makes her feel hot and angry all over again. Truly, that tree really has no sense of shame. ]

    You weren't forced to kill anyone, were you?
    impiety: (you are useless)

    [personal profile] impiety 2022-10-18 01:17 am (UTC)(link)
    [ How much can he trust her? Is her attitude a ruse as much as his is?

    Time will tell, but for now, he sees the use in having someone like her. So, he smiles warmly as he did before; he holds his hand out to her with the intent to shake her hand in gratitude. ]


    I would be honored to have your help, Morgan. [ A beat. ] And while you have no one's dreams to carry on, I'm sure you have your own hopes and wishes. I will do what I can to help you achieve all you desire... for that is only fair.
    oomfies: 𝑜𝑜𝓂𝒻𝒾𝑒𝓈 (💚 brand awareness.)

    [personal profile] oomfies 2022-10-18 01:19 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Lottie refuses to let this man know exactly how much she is hating on him (mentally) right now, so she just seethes quietly as he chops away at his hair. Of course, he's right — she hasn't really taken anything seriously until now. She usually wouldn't be caught dead on outings like this, but her friends were going and.. Well, who is she if not one to support them? They're all she knows, and Lottie adores nothing more than comfort in familiarity.

    It still doesn't make her any less comfortable knowing she's effectively been scolded™ by a man in a sleeveless shirt and sunglasses.

    (Also, couldn't he just let her bask in a kind gesture?!! Lottie is going to be bitter about thinking he was cool for all of two seconds for the rest of the week.)

    Her finger thrums unhelpfully, her migraine getting even worse the seconds following his shout. It is completely silent, save for the ambience of nature around them (and Lottie's occasional wheezes). ]


    We both have to do it.. [ Now she turns, tired of staying on her knees. She rests her weight on one arm, leaning back so she can look up at him. ] That's the deal.
    galdorleod: ([blond] secretive)

    [personal profile] galdorleod 2022-10-18 01:20 am (UTC)(link)
    [ That whip of the tail makes Howl take an uneasy step back. Horse-drawn carriages being commonplace in his world, it's hard not to be facing the backside of what looks to be a horse and not feel the need to be... on the lookout. ]

    Busy doing what? Don't tell me you're about to buy one of those dreadful things. Do us both a favor and walk on to the next stall.

    [ As he's finishing that thought, Howl finally looks up — and stops. Does he... know this woman...? He searches his memory. He's pretty sure he would remember such a large non-human, if he's met her before.

    ...unless...
    ]

    ... Did you come here from Horos?
    Edited 2022-10-18 01:20 (UTC)
    executory: (pic#16013335)

    [personal profile] executory 2022-10-18 01:21 am (UTC)(link)
    [ You know what...........that's actually extremely responsible and capable? Moreso than she would have asumed for a guy spouting out bug facts. She blinks, clearly surprised. ]

    Oh.

    [ What an eloquent reply. ]

    Citadel... Did you work for some sort of royal family then? Or a religious group?

    [ From farmer to servant.......is that an upgrade or a downgrade, who can truly say. ]
    gravings: (070b)

    [personal profile] gravings 2022-10-18 01:21 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Reconstructed.

    That word hits her like a truck, her wariness giving way to desperate curiosity. There's always a chance it's an empty promise or merely wishful thinbking, so she stamps down hope before it can crawl into her heart too deeply. With trepidation, she asks. ]


    Has that happened before? Rebuilding whole worlds... that sounds impossible.
    comelately: (and i love you)

    i didn't see any!! ur good

    [personal profile] comelately 2022-10-18 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
    [ he tilts his head. ]

    ... Is your memory the one that's in there or something?

    [ he's a practical thinker; he assumes that she's considering all this so deeply because she needs to make the choice now. Maybe it's because - were he in her shoes - he wouldn't even be thinking of saying goodbye. ]

    It's not like it'll be goodbye forever. You'll go back someday. [ Probably. ]
    couriering: (pic#14089936)

    [personal profile] couriering 2022-10-18 01:27 am (UTC)(link)
    [ what a champ, taking one for the team... :drinkchamp: ]

    It is! Though I rarely get a chance to drink with others. Comes with the job, you know?

    [ courier downs the rest of the liquor, which surprisingly isn't so bad after the few tastes. goes down a lot easier too. as he looks at his temporary drinking partner, the itra man taps his glass politely against the bar to let the one behind it pour him another. ]

    I'm pretty sure my services will be needed wherever I go. It's just unfortunate, that's all... I'll have to get used to navigating entirely new places!

    [ another polite and friendly glance at kaeya before he sips his new bev. ]

    What about you?
    impiety: (Default)

    [personal profile] impiety 2022-10-18 01:30 am (UTC)(link)
    Pleasure, Barnaby. [ A brief head nod. ]

    Hm. [ He also can't say what the man is talking about, but at least can look sympathetic. Is he talking to a piece of jewelry? I suppose we must all cope with loss somehow. ] I'm sure that she forgives you because she knows you are doing all that you can.
    comelately: (remain in our toolkit)

    i hope u don't mind me starting the thread here!!

    [personal profile] comelately 2022-10-18 01:32 am (UTC)(link)
    [ all the time he spent in Horos, and Cyrus is the first person to show him what he's really been looking for: hope. Johnny's a practical man; he believes in what he can touch and see. The sunbeam, and the brief shot into Philadelphia, the first glimpse in months of his only friend in this wide, empty universe - that's enough. When he snaps back to reality, the hands clutching the pearl are almost trembling. ]

    That - that was real?

    [ it felt real. Part of his mind swears it knows it was real. But he needs the assurance, and he looks up desperately at Cyrus from his wheelchair in search of it. ]
    Edited 2022-10-18 01:32 (UTC)
    executory: (pic#16013331)

    [personal profile] executory 2022-10-18 01:33 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Trials, always with the trials.

    None of her discontent seems to abate with the explanation given, but at least it hasn't incensed her further. Tree of Life, he says, but it sounds more like a Tree of Death, making them offer up things like body parts and memories and lives instead.

    Also: who's this 'Lady Yima'? She decides to save that question for later. First: ]


    So what's after this trial then? Is there another trial we're supposed to complete?

    [ And then another, and another after that? ]
    redsoil: — PLEASE CREDIT! (Default)

    [personal profile] redsoil 2022-10-18 01:43 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Coin. What a hindrance, to need physical currency to get by in this place. In another game, he just takes it and gives it away to one of his wards lmao ]

    Even here, in this place at the end of existence, such rote exchanges are needed.

    [ The words are scathing, as though he expected elevation above mortal needs from the civilizations poised here. Be they of Springstar or Highstorm, technologically advanced and knowledgeable, all things came back to money. This is going to be hard... Sister Rosaria, please don't abandon him in his time of need.

    Except she mentions Yima. The woman who had spoken in dreams, the leader of one of the two factions of this place -- she, who could give him the thing he wants most, and his power as well. Immediately, his eyes turn aside, away from Rosaria. Unsure, and narrowed in resentment. ]


    I am not ready to make such a committment. You may be waiting for some time, before I am able to repay you.
    ktizo: (🎵 two-toned echoes)

    [personal profile] ktizo 2022-10-18 01:45 am (UTC)(link)
    It perhaps doesn't look like a smooth transition, the way Ciel calms herself, but Hythlodaeus will take it.

    "An accessory would be acceptable." He smiles, relieved that he doesn't have to entertain the notion of clothes shopping. Ciel had seemed so excited, it's almost a shame! He's been swayed by others' passion before, but not quite this time.

    "A scarf first, perhaps?"
    lachtara: (Kneeling)

    [personal profile] lachtara 2022-10-18 01:48 am (UTC)(link)
    Which you seem to recite as if reading of its fate from a tome.

    [ Perhaps it's shock from having the world they know taken, or perhaps it was not as important as it may be to others. He makes no judgment either way. ] And do you believe the person who spoke to you in this dream?
    comelately: (i must always run the race on my own)

    [personal profile] comelately 2022-10-18 01:49 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Johnny stares at Matsui blankly for a solid few seconds. Then, completely straight-faced, he admits: ]

    OK, that was pretty funny, actually.

    [ he'll give you that one, stranger... was it intended as a joke?? It had to be, right? ]

    I'm good. I can pick out my own clothes... not that I'm in the mood to go shopping right now.
    galdorleod: ([black] joy)

    [personal profile] galdorleod 2022-10-18 01:51 am (UTC)(link)
    That ought to be my line. I've been here over three months now... I'd all but given up on seeing the majority of you again.

    [ As he talks, Howl takes a seat, setting a large leather satchel on the table in front of him. From the boxy, layered shape of its contents, it appears to be filled with at least three thick books.

    With the weight of the bundle off his shoulder, he leans forward, still grinning happily at Liem.
    ]

    How have you been faring so far? I see you've acquainted yourself with the peculiar tea here. The Tomes too, then?

    [ in the back of his mind, the wizard is wondering when this Liem is from. but... there's no need to jump straight into that. especially when the answer might not fit Howl's joyous mood. ]
    impiety: (that incredible pain you feel)

    [personal profile] impiety 2022-10-18 01:54 am (UTC)(link)
    A story for another time, perhaps.

    [ He offers a slight smile before his expression falls. The voice that spoke told him that they seemed to speak true, but he does not want that world's salvation. It did nothing to deserve it. ]

    No. Such a thing is too good to be true.
    redsoil: — PLEASE CREDIT! (Default)

    [personal profile] redsoil 2022-10-18 01:55 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Bruises upon bruises, favoring his right ankle over the left, the remnants of a chain wrapped slack around one wrist - scraps of flesh clinging to the spaces between a trio of links ( someone's ear? part of their cheek? ), the imprint of teeth upon his knuckles. Blood dripping down his nose, into the creases between his leering, sharp teeth and over his chin. Mamoru cannot see him, but scarlet-haired Set is a equally a scarlet mess.

    What he has been visiting upon the hissing crowd and their handful of favored champions has been humiliation and degredation, his laughter shrill and mocking as he's clawed and bitten and cheated his way through a handful of fights. He'd even flung someone who'd tried to snag him with a catch-pole into the stands and demanded they take him seriously -- and it was then that the mood truly began to sour. Someone decried something about his being a madman, another pair of souls uttering words of concern -- He's going to die in there, if they don't stop him? / Honey, I think that's what he wants.

    And finally, another opponent enters the ring. They throw him more meat, more bone, more pain to use to rip away at his thoughts and give in to the violence, the chaos of breaking an arm over his knee and sneering into the screaming face of an opponent who was less a combatant and more of a cleaner. Unrestrained, unhinged. And beautiful, in his ferality. Red hair flows, blood heavy and tacky at the ends, sticking the length of it together as he wheels on his toes towards the new voice, the new aggressor he may set himself upon.

    Who needs wild animals, when the originator of bloodsport is in the ring? ]


    That depends. Are you capable of entertaining me?

    [ His voice is a nasty little hiss, the echoes of discord and disorder reverberating.

    He takes a single step forward, and falls upon Mamoru in a flash. ]
    comelately: (it dug nails into)

    [personal profile] comelately 2022-10-18 01:56 am (UTC)(link)
    [ at that, he can't help but breathe out a single dry laugh. ]

    I'm not selling it, I'm lendin' it to you. You keep getting bothered by old guys, right? They'll probably pay less attention if they can't see so much of you.

    [ Johnny doubts it will "fix" the problem - she's still got a pretty face, for one thing, and the blanket's only so big otherwise - but he thinks it'll at least help a little bit. A change of location would probably help even more; however, he has to assume she's here for a reason. Maybe she's waiting for someone she knows to get off work, or something like that. ]
    sparring: (pic#15552856)

    wildcard

    [personal profile] sparring 2022-10-18 01:59 am (UTC)(link)
    [It's a hell of a dream.

    Or at least it seems like a dream, until she wakes up, surrounded by soil, the crystal warm and precious against her chest, and she feels the welling of panic at being buried alive. She digs frantically, clawing at the dirt, until her fingers find a root, and she pulls. She keeps digging, fingers curling into loamy soil, fighting against the soil like she's fighting in the streets, clawed fingers instead of fists, kicking and clawing until she finds empty air.

    Pushing her body upright with an elbow, she breaks through, sucks in big gulps of air with her mouth open wide, then starts clawing at the soil still surrounding her legs and feet, kicking at it, afraid and furious at being afraid. There's dirt in her hair, smudged on her face, falling off of her in little crumbles, everything smells of vegetation and soil and it's unfamiliar, as much as being buried alive had been. Rubbing at her face, she finally kicks free of the dirt and pushes herself into a standing position, fists raised and at the ready, eyes flashing.]
    ktizo: (🎵 guiding lighting the way)

    [personal profile] ktizo 2022-10-18 02:03 am (UTC)(link)
    "I see. And this world- it is safe from such a thing?"

    He frowns a little; the idea of being ferried to a new world, only to see that one engulfed in flames or swallowed by darkness... can he do it again? He really doesn't know.

    "I do wonder how this happened. The idea of being pulled from world to world... especially one who was in my position..."
    subsist: (pic#15626817)

    [personal profile] subsist 2022-10-18 02:08 am (UTC)(link)
    I once was the Cavalry Captain for the Knights of Favonius, yes. That's no longer the case now.

    [ Considering everything, y'know. World's gone and all.

    Anyway. Maybe if Kaeya was a better person, he might feel bad that the other man believed every single word he said, but he isn't. Barely counts as one, really, so he settles in his corner of the bath, content to listen to the story now being told.

    The smile on his face withers into one of understanding. ]


    Family can be unpredictable sometimes, hm? You never know what it would take for them to betray you.

    [ In Dimitri's case, it sounds like it was greed. In Kaeya's ... well, he only has himself to blame there, really. ]

    It's a good look on you, in any case. I'd say it adds character.