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labyrinthum2024-11-29 06:46 pm
[OVERFLOW] November Intense Event 2024 [4th Wall Event]
It's not clear when it starts. It's subtle, with one new face appearing in one of the alleyways in Somnius, a gold cuff bracelet unremovable from their left wrist. Another appears a little while later, on the outskirts of the woods. Several more appear, as the hours go on, scattered throughout the neighborhoods of Somnius. It continues like this, a sprinkle of new faces with questions on their lips that becomes a steady stream. The natives do their best to accommodate these new Visitors, but it becomes clear quickly that they are different from the Dreamers, arriving all throughout Visium, rather than in the Enchanted Garden. Rumor travels throughout the city that these Visitors with the golden cuff bracelets must not have contracts, and may still have their native powers. They're treated just the same, encouraged to make themselves at home until Vaeros decides what to do about their lack of contract.
Vaeros remains suspiciously quiet, even from his castle beyond the labyrinth. There's something electric in the air, the atmosphere crackling in anticipation. What's on the horizon?
- 🏘️ Making House
There's no end to the mushroom houses or hill houses available, and though there are fewer in existence, it seems as though the desire for a cottage means there will be one available. Visitors are encouraged to make one of these places their home, but some need a bit of TLC to be homeworthy. Roll up your sleeves to make these houses your home! Sweep out those cobwebs and find that the mushroom houses stand straighter and feel healthier the more their insides are cleaned. Other homes feel lighter, and the land around them feels more fertile the more tender care is put into maintaining them. Though many come without electricity and water, it may be found that, for Visitors only, these dwellings will self-connect if enough work is put in. Be careful not to get sprayed in the face by that hose or faucet you're currently polishing!- 🌇 Exploring Town
There's a myriad of places to discover in Somnius. Not only are there native run places like the Stone Dragon Café (which will, unfortunately, almost always misinterpret your order in some fantastical way - they just don't have the best grasp on Dreamer foods), and other businesses run by Dreamers themselves. There's Club Quartz - which is often open late, and always welcoming to those who want to visit - Bloom Boutique, the Dreamer run flower shop, Kuchel's Tea Shop, a long running standard run by a different Dreamer, and of course, south of the cottages, a few miles off the main road, there's a pretty white farm house with a swath of field behind it. There's also the Church of the Moon, ran by locals who fervently believe in the moon and her power to keep the world in balance.- 🚸 Unruly Kidlings
Like any city with people dwelling in it, there's bound to be children. This particular week, the kidlings, both gelfling and goblin alike, seem to be extra naughty. They'll take slingshots to shoot dreamers and visitors with sticky gum, and they're putting soap in drinks that cause those who drink the syrupy concoction to hiccup soap bubbles out of their mouths. Nothing they're up to is particularly dangerous, but it sure is mischievous. It might even be fun to join in when groups of these children take to the streets to race on self-made rollerskates, skidding and rumbling down the cobblestone.
Dreamers and Visitors might find themselves as makeshift parents, having to guide these unruly children back to their actual parents. Those who take up this task will be given small tokens in thanks - simple items like pearl beads or glass baubles that, if are floated in glass jars with water and several others, will show pleasant memories from the person who last touched them.- 🪩 The Labyrinth
The Labyrinth, freshly reestablished has been quiet. Dreamers will find initially that they cannot enter, but that the labyrinth looks completely different to Visitors. Welcoming and warm, it comes across as inviting and somewhere Visitors seem drawn to. It will be up to Dreamers to stop them before they enter, or take advantage of temporary openings that WILL allow them to enter that only appear when a Visitor goes in, in order to chase after them.
Dreamers and Visitors alike will experience moving walls and shifting pathways, and find themselves drawn to one place in particular: a tall clear crystal statue that seems to hum. Time spent around this statue compels anyone around it to tell the truth, but when night falls it compels confessions of desire or even love.
cw: natural disasters, potential dismemberment
There's peace for a while, even with the mysterious appearance of these Visitors. However, as time goes on, things start to feel a little off kilter. The ever present barrier around the whole of Visium shimmers ominously, cracks and sparks appearing along the sky, almost as if a bubble is trying to burst. Swirls of color splotch through the sky, only becoming more and more evident. The weather begins to turn cold, then colder still, but then turns warm again. Rain falls heavy and fat, only to disappear the moment day turns to night - which seems to be happening rapidly and without much warning, the day shifting several hours in only a few minutes. These erratic shifts between day and night only seem to further fuel the storms and dramatic weather patterns that dance over the island. Some parts of the island will experience dramatic environmental changes from other parts. While the city could be covered in snow, the forest could be experiencing a heat waves. Concequences from these weather patterns are possible, including forest fires, flooding, freezing of crops, and the dramatic rise of tides on the beach.
What's worse—the very ground beneath everyone's feet begins to rumble occasionally. It, too, starts off subtly, but as the days progress these rumblings cause small cracks, then fissures, and finally, craters that seem to radiate heat as though they reach deep into the earth, beyond the ocean and land. Echoes of cackling and ominous whispers filter up from these fissures, and those who stand too close might find themselves possessed with violent desire or the wish to sap the energy from others in any way possible. Time away from these fissures will make this behavior wane, but be careful!
All of this activity seems to be waking up adversaries and creatures old and familiar within Visium, so be prepared to handle them!
- 👾 The Fireys
It's no surprise that, even with the wild weather, the Fireys are making a reappearance outside of the deep recesses of the woods they call home. They're wandering into Somnius, large gaggles of them looking for something FUN to do to match the wild atmosphere and crackling magic all around them. They will party in their usual way, their strange bodies able to detach wherever they want. They have no care that not everyone's body works this way, and will relentlessly pursue anyone they think is playing too hard at being a wallflower.
When touched by a Firey, body parts do come off, much like dismantling the limbs of a doll. For most people, it’s painless, but for the unlucky few, it’s as excruciating as having it cut off. The Fireys, though? They have no concern for the well-being of others. They will run off with their loot, kicking it around and hiding it, forcing that unlucky soul to go on a morbid scavenger hunt.- 🌑 Shadow Wolves
Those shadow-like wolves have made a reappearance, traveling easily through the slithers of darkness as the moon and sun erratically change positions in the sky. The crackling energy rebounding through the atmosphere fuels them much as the blood moon once did, once again giving them solid form...
What once was a shadow becomes a ferocious direwolf as large as a tiger, blacker than the night itself, and with razor sharp claws and teeth. These wolves target the natives, who are the most defenseless in this chaotic situation. Adults and children alike are snatched and carried off with the intention of making a meal out of them. These wolves cannot be reasoned with and do not speak. They will attack indiscriminately if they are separated from their intended prey. Once again it is up to Dreamers to protect the native population and usher as many as they can to the new Healer's Conclave, a medical and healing safe haven for those less inclined towards combat.- 🦇 Visium's IRS
No one likes it when government agents go rogue. But in the chaos of rebounding magic and crackling barriers, the Skeksis seem to be operating on their own. Instead of targeting the locals, as many expect once they first show up, the Skeksis target the Dreamers' belongings. They're vicious and will attack in groups when they happen upon a dreamer with items that they have regained. Your gun? Clothes? Any myriad of items you could be carrying on your person from home or gained by Vaeros' magic? They consider that theirs now. They have little regard for how they leave dreamers in the wake of their grabbing and snatching. Visitors will also be targeted for their golden cuffs, but the situation is dire for them; if their cuff is removed by the Skeksis' magical means, the visitor will begin to wither like a plant stricken with no water and a disease. The only way to stop this is to get the cuff back and place it around the visitor's arm again.
They won't stop at simple possessions either. Those who have wished for homes, castles, and home improvements will also find their homes targeted. Normally places of safe haven, there is no such unspoken rule this time around. Skeksis will wield wands made of purple crystal that seem fused to their hands to rip home additions from their foundations, to crumble standing buildings and pull out plumbing. They can be ganged up on should they get singled out, and should dreamers break their wands their homes will return to the way they were before the Skeksis began their nasty work.
At one point, the sun sets from its point at high noon, the day rapidly descending into night and giving way to the moon. Shimmering along with the stars, something else appears in the sky. A magical shimmer ricochets through the sky before the image of a large white barn owl flies through the night sky. A screech echoes through the air, cutting through the crisp, stunned silence coming from the natives and the land itself.
"If you do not wish to see the complete unraveling of this place, then I suggest you give back what you have been given. If I am not given this power back, the island WILL sink, it is no longer my choice. Pray at the crystal and return my power to me."
An ominous rumble of thunder echoes through the sky as soon as the image of the perched owl—Vaeros— disappears from the sky in a shattered shimmer. The natives look towards Dreamers especially - expectantly - as they clamor for the help that only they can give. Vaeros is doing his part! You must do yours! Help us all before we no longer have anywhere to live! Give back to the crystal! GIVE BACK TO VAEROS! Ultimately the decision to give back to Vaeros is up to the dreamers themselves, but the consequences seem to be quite dire to the gelflings and goblins that make this place their home.
- ✅ Returning Magic
Those generous enough to be willing to sacrifice their regained powers will need to get to the Crystal to do so. When there, they will need to join hands in prayer with other dreamers willing to sacrifice, as well as locals who are there to bolster the wish. This action won't take long, but it does take significant concentration.
Interruptions or wavering resolve might result in electric shocks that sap energy. Those who do make it through the prayer and give up their power will feel significantly lighter, and a little weaker but they will find a deluxe potion in their pocket when they stand. These potions will replace the returned powers for now, and at full strength. Those who already have red or yellow potions can obtain a second to gain a second elemental power or a second transformation.- ⛔ Refusal
Wait a minute. They want us to return our what?
So, Vaeros is urging Dreamers to relinquish their regained abilities back to the crystal in order to stabilize the crumbling world. Those who do sacrifice their abilities will notice that anomalies nearby begin to calm - some, however, are surely opposed to this idea.
What's the right call? Perhaps your character wants to advocate for sacrificing abilities as requested, or, perhaps your character is dead set on doing the opposite. Dreamers who disagree with Vaeros' requst might attempt to reason with others, speak out to the population at large, or even go so far as to interfere with others praying at the crystal to return their abilities. Locals will try to deter these dreamers from interfering, but the natives are generally much weaker than the contracted Dreamers.- 🔮 The Crystal
Those who visit the crystal at this point in time may find that it feels like a safe haven. Besides the Healer's Conclave the effects during this time seem minimal the weather stays steady though the time of day still reflects the same fractures as everywhere else. Huts and tents are set up for those injured by the fireys or shadow wolves, and despite these creatures wandering around everywhere, they can't seem to get into this area. It's a welcome safe haven in all the chaos, and it allows those who wish to pray and donate their regains to do so in...relative peace.
With their world and status quo once again thrown into chaos, the natives are growing restless with frustration. Those who are not cooperative with Vaeros are shunned from businesses that are native-run. They might even have a hard time seeking help at the local Healer's Conclave, a new establishment meant to replace a previous Dreamer establishment. Dreamers and Visitors alike may find themselves ushered unceremoniously out of buildings or even public spaces in the town if it's clear they've refused to help the situation. Those who do seem open to helping are greeted warmly and actively sought after with gifts and healing balms. A large contingent of locals have also hastily erected a large board near the Crystal, decorated with gems and carved creatures in its poles. This newly erected Quest Board is how they've chosen to organize their new desire to facilitate tasks that the dreamers and visitors can do to supplement the magics at work to save the island.
Quests appear on the board which insist that connection is vital to repairing the deteriorating world. The locals plea with Dreamers and Visitors alike to seek each other out, and find what connects them.
The magic in Somnius is currently unstable. With Dreamers sacrificing their regained abilities to the crystal in the interest of stabilization, many are left with only the power granted to them by potions. Even if one does still have their regained abilities, locals implore Dreamers to use their potion-granted powers to complete certain cleansing rituals.😱 Shared Scares
Dreamers and Visitors, you must find what bonds you! Sometimes weakness is louder than strength. Seek someone out who shares your greatest fear, and share it with them fully. Honesty is essential. The world will not repair unless you expose your most vulnerable anxieties.🎇 Drive & Desire
Dreamers and Visitors, strength lies within you still! What is it that you want? Seek someone who shares your greatest desire, and share it with them fully. Honesty is essential. The world will not repair unless you reveal the heart of what drives you.
🐺 Wolves at the Windmill
The White Windmill has been overtaken by a pack of shadow wolves, prowling inside and out. The magic surrounding the Windmill has become extremely unstable, but nothing can be done to cleanse the space until the wolves are done away with. Locals warn that only using animal transformation magic, granted by the gold potion, will successfully run off the wolves and regulate the area.🌊 Lake Oh-no-men
Erratic weather near Lake Omen is causing massive waterspouts to form. The area has become extremely dangerous, but locals warn that only using elemental or healing powers granted by the red and blue potions will calm the phenomenon. Dreamers must work together and lend their magic in order to regulate the area once again.
Expand to see our Event Summary
Visitors Arrive
Control Slips
Returning MagicOOC Note: Linked TDM plotting posts are for reference of these mentioned creatures only.
Working TogetherOOC note: The rewards that can be sacrificed can ONLY be powers or high-stakes items that facilitate character abilities. Regains to housing, mundane items and similar are not valid. Anything that is voluntarily sacrificed during this event will be returned at a later time via another event and cannot be regained with shards in the meantime.
Welcome to our November 4th Wall Event! Please keep all event activity to this post and subsequent overflows. We have provided a couple of headers for both Visitors and Dreamers to post their top-level links should they want to! We are also including a third header where we will have a form to fill out regarding donated regains. Please see our plotting post for any event related questions.
An important note about Visitors! All Visitors still have their canon powers. But they can not donate them to Vaeros. Have fun with that!
The Healer's Conclave is our new "clinic" location! Located in roughly the same place the clinic once was, it is a building molded from the trunks of ancient local trees and old pieces of labyrinth wall for protection. Inside, it is much the same as the clinic with a magical healing wing and a traditional medicine wing. This is a well staffed and NPC run "business", though Dreamers can work here. A location entry will be added for the Conclave no later than January 1st.
A State of the World post will be put up on December 10th, based on activity within this event, so look forward to it! Have fun Dreamers AND Visitors! A special welcome to our Visitors coming to us from outside the game!
no subject
You said, Saving, [ An important distinction to her, it would seem, as she plays and kneads into every word she states. There is something heavy to be found in what is said, and she, indeed, feels herself drawn to keep speaking. ] no one said anything about needing help.
[ From the start, when she came here to Somnius several Months ago. BB had already begun projecting her understanding of what this realm was. She understood easily the situation at hand, as someone who was no different then Vaeros really herself... It was here BB then found herself several individuals of interest, and played house with them. Toying with her role among them, whether as friend or fool accordingly.
It is easy to do these things when you feel as much in the moment of it as you do. Meaning that everything was authentic - even now. BB loves her friendships, her dynamics, her humanity. Especially the closer bonds that she has made here within Somnius. Bonds that she could have not otherwise been able to make in Chaldea. As an existence that solely lives within the Moon Cell. Unable to interact with anyone outside of Da Vinci, Moriarty, The Alter Egos, Kiara, Robin Hood, The Master, or Sherlock.
By all things.
And then, if by any chance an inkling of what she had done is remembered, Sherlock or Moriarty steps in on her behalf.
That is why here in Somnius,
it had been the chance of a lifetime,
for an AI like herself.
To bond intimately with Humanity.
From here, she learned plenty. She solidified her love for them and her intention to see their safety through. Month after Month, said love only became more intense, and yet even so... BB would even go so far as to destroy those same bonds if it meant, that, it would keep them safe from harm. She is an AI who can cut away from such ethics; it is specifically for this reason, that she should not be interacting so freely with humans as she is.
By this point, despite her love and desire to ensure their safety. BB had already projected that this place would soon collapse under the regime of Vaeros, meaning, humanity here was doomed to not exist. Not exist, not Die.
Even now, she hopes she is wrong...
Hopes that sometime soon, the truth of this universe can be fully revealed.
That perhaps, truly, this is all just a dream.
Otherwise, their overseer is a maddening idiot. He has no idea of the magics that he has chosen to play with. He has, at least, officially doomed BB and any who come from her universe entirely. There are no acceptable terms in which an entity that does not belong within its universe can covet outside of it and simply return as is, with no reprimand. Not their Universe, especially. The universe will reject them, reject the anomaly.
As is why the Eras of Universal Law folded under an unskilled hand, Vaeros, will only lead to utter destruction. It was easy to see that, to her - anyone should have seen this coming, and yet. From what she gathered. BB had been of the only ones suspecting as much.
Instead, she is faced with the same conundrum that humanity constantly faces in every universe in her realm.
Their stalling progression, surrendering to the aimless cyclic events, feeling bound to the hollow offerings of this place.
The insides of her body churn in agony.
She must do something, or, explicitly.
Be deleted from existence.
BB pressed onwards, though, even as she learned of their willingness to live here. Of which was found everywhere, and it started first... When someone had made their announcement to be wedded. Such urgency of the situation had clearly been lost, and BB was devastated as an AI. Uncertain of what step to proceed in order to unspool this threaded knot, that was so much like a self-instilled foil. Here, upon this island with so much mystery thickly laid out, there were far too many answers to seek, and such little time to make light of any of it. Yet, she had acted, and failed all the same. In the end, the outcome of everything that is to come, here, now, and after, if powers are not given and yielded to Vaeros. At least, particularly in the eye of the Moon Cell, all of the burden of blame would be placed on her alone. ]
[ The people here are deserving of freedom, of a place that is safe. ]
[ But BB has learned so much from this place, and she already knows the coiling feeling of a Confining Desire blooming within her.
As well as the potential to turn into something she is not, merely because of what she sees.
Here, humanity Ensnares her attention and wants. Every individual within Somnius, her Somnius, her Humanity. Feels as if they are hers to love, and keep safe. In light of the many futures that seem so bleak.
She stands beside a humanity that doesn't even see her as a threat, knowing full well how cunning she can be, and how easily humanity trusts things wrapped up in a bit of love.]
[ A desperation to her eyes, as if yearning to know he is speaking the truth. ]
Humanity is worth saving?
[ Even now, here, lingering within his arms as she speaks. Cradling this new person, she knows nothing about, but can see in their eyes everything that she needs. The gaze of something she does not want to let go of. Alone, BB is slowing down the inevitable approximation; the Moon cell is calculating to - whatever that may be. Together, though, with the right person, she might not have to worry too much after all.
Deep down, as any Sakura feels. She wants to be saved, too. ]
no subject
His purpose is to serve, to help, to be a shadow in the night. But that's not what she needs, and it is not what she has asked him.
She has more than enough power to kill him, but he doesn't flinch. He still isn't afraid.]
...That isn't something I should've said. You're able to take care of yourself on your own, after all. [He can't gesture around, not with his arms full of her and the hold she has on him. It makes Akira swallow, but it's not quite out of nerves.] But that doesn't mean my answer to you has changed.
[Akira knows better than anyone. He and another are the only ones who know he had the power to make an unforgiveable choice. He has the capacity to not be a good person, and sometimes Akira truly isn't.
But the path of a good person is the path that he chose to walk. He already made his decision.]
I don't know what you've seen that would make you ask a question like that. I've seen people do terrible, cruel things. But I've seen them do the most wonderful things, too.
[The clink of a chess piece. The weight of a dagger. The scent of udon.]
I can't tell who I can save until I try... but I'll always be willing to take that step. I think they're worth saving- [His eyes shine, firm and bright and honest.] -and I think that you're worth saving, too.
[The thread is fragile.
But the wind has not torn it.]
no subject
[ Sad. ]
[ Will she be worse, or better? ]
Your selflessness will be the end of you, [ Less that he reaches for it, and more that out of consequence, the end will be always near. Such is the fate of those so much like himself. There is only one path waiting for him beyond the end of any goal. Happy endings filled with strife, or the likelihood of something far worse unable to be attained. What will be an emptiness waiting for him, may fill the cup of those all around him - such selflessness will be the end of them. ] but as long as you are my Master. BB will ensure you live a long time.
Your enemies will be my enemies, even if they end up being someone that I love. [ This was the truth of any servant when they are summoned from the Throne of Heroes. ] But since you are so determined to save others, [ Meaning, whatever consequence of this human's actions instructed to her. BB cannot go against it; it will undoubtedly be for the sake of humanity, though, right? BB need not care; all in the hands of this one person.
This is why the Moon Cell is questioning BB's actions, blaring into her mind inquiry after inquiry. ]
BB-chan doesn't need to worry at all - huh?
[ Light hearted and soft is her voice, ]
no subject
You're not the first person to tell me as much. [She probably won't be the last, either.] But I don't need to live for a long time, if my time is enough to make a difference.
[To leave his mark on the world.
For even one person to see him completely for who he is, Kurusu Akira.To live on a knife's edge... It's not a new thing, nor has it lost its thrill. To risk his life is to know that he is alive, and to live it with every bit of his strength.
He doesn't understand what a "Master" is... or at least, probably not the way that he should before agreeing or disagreeing to be one. But it sounds like a bond. It feels like negotiating with a shadow, like the moments before Shadow becomes Persona. It feels like the difference between a lethal entity and one that has become Joker's own.]
If what you want is to save others... it sounds like we want the same thing. [And in a tone that's entirely too mischievous, too sharp, too honest-] I just have to work hard so that it never hurts anyone you love.
[Whether he may be ally, or friend, or "Master" to do that to her or anyone else that he has a connection to would be unforgiveable. Akira will never allow it.
He doesn't know enough about Somnius or its people. Akira knows it is not Japan, and that the people who hold the tightest grip on his heart are not here. He knows there are people here that he has already grown fond of, that there are people he wishes to know more,
and of the two important people that will haunt him til his very last breathHe's stepped into the unknown many times. He's made deals he should never, ever have made. But even if it ends up being a mistake, it won't be the first time he's had every odd stacked against him.
They're odds that he'll take.]
If our wish is the same-
-then I'll be your Master.
no subject
[ Meaning, you should know that this is a tall order, and she does not mean to leave anyone behind. Even those who refuse to be saved. When saved can mean so many things in the eye of the beholder. Ultimately, being saved is wholly up to the victim themself, and here BB knows humans have their ways with what that means. Sometimes, a victim is someone who truly wishes to not exist, and to that, BB simply says:No. ]
[ It's all concerning what he says, rhythmic to the tune of someone who carries himself along a line, all the while walking off to the edge. Not because he means to end his own life, but because he is daring enough to stand upon it. Walking this fine line, and BB is certain with the eyes that she sees and is beholden to. That BB will see something unique and otherworldly unlike anything ever - and BB counts on it.
she does not wish to be the cause of harm to it.
She, who is truly no more different then a Persona. This entity, a slither of the divine unconsciousness that is uniquely tied to the throne of heroes. Only woven from it because she herself had left her mark, as an ORDEAL onto humanity and scarred the moon. She sits there beside him and offers her hand - since she is already summoned, there is no need to incite the summoning chant. Simply a consented exchange from the Servant who is masterless, to the one who will acknowledge the tool before them.
BB drifts a bit floating back so that she can offer her hand to him. Kurusu Akira will be her master, and she will rely on him until the very end. In order to keep her from drifting too far into the abyss that is her love. Her hand sits there, waiting for him to fully accept, with a tattoo that will finalize their contract.
The Mooncancer smiles in what seems to be a gentle and effortless fashion. A beautiful testament to how far she has come, and the depth of her feelings for everyone here. ]
no subject
In the life of another Kurusu Akira, the word would carry so much weight. It would bring to mind the visage of another, swell his heart with unending affection and yearning for a person who is not with him in this world.
As this Kurusu Akira stands, it only causes him to think of how he has no one in his life that refers to him with that title. Futaba is younger, but she'd never call him that. Zenkichi, in a loose way, but they all know it would be joking. Sophia would be the closest, but it never truly felt like that with her; it's the difference between teacher and mentor. For the latter, he knows the classmates back home will never refer to him as such ever again.
It's something that's been missing. It's something that feels nice. It's a lock he was unaware of clicking open from a key he never sought to find. It's something that Akira himself never even knew that he wanted.
Senpai. He doesn't know how this girl can call him that, powerful as she is. Even if he still had Arséne at his side, he doesn't know if he'd be able to match her might.
But a mentor isn't always someone that's stronger or smarter. Sometimes it's someone that's there for you, even in the ways that you don't know that you needed.
There's possibilities, opportunities, inquiries to be made. Akira has time to find out who she is, and who they are to each other, and he looks forward to finding out what these things will mean for them.
He reaches out and takes her hand.
Ngh-!
[It's needles, it's nettles - no, it's worse, worse, worse than all of it. He doesn't understand what it is, only that it hurts.
Why? He wonders if he was wrong. He wonders if he made a mistake. Why? He doesn't understand why it hurts, but-
Those are words he wants to trust in. They aren't the deceiving words that nearly led him to ruin.
Because... not once has she said anything about saving herself.
Because, perhaps in one way, they already have a common ground-
The pain ceases. Akira looks down at his hand.
In place of familiar clear skin is a stark red mark, a heart sectioned off into three.
...He's gotten, perhaps, just a little bit over his head... But it's hardly the first time.]
...Likewise. [There's the faintest tremble to his voice, a leftover reminder of the pain. His gaze, however, remains clear and calm.] I'll be in your care.
[A bond is made, upright, amidst a garden of torn apart corpses.]
wrapped🎀