𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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synflux2025-04-13 09:43 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2025-04-13 09:43 pm
KAIJU FIGHT #7
KAIJU FIGHT #7
▶ 001. EGYPTIAN DINNER.
As the days go on, more and more evidence begins to show that the kaiju is, indeed, hiding out somewhere deep within the desert, approximately in the West area around the Qattara Depression. LILITH’s crew embarks first with all of their supplies to set up a temporary base in the ruined city of El Alamein, a small city at the edge of the desert. Outsiders are requested to wait there until further instructions, and this temporary base will be a safe haven if things get too treacherous. After all, even after all of their research, who knows what this monster is capable of doing?
Once the base is set up, Outsiders will move out, either on their camel or other means they may have to arrive at the base. The days continue to grow shorter, nighttime beginning to descend as early as 3 PM. Outsiders will also be highly recommended to consume the cyber caffeine once again as its effects from the plane ride are beginning to wear off. To their surprise, when the Outsiders arrive, a large buffet of Egyptian food will be waiting for them. Koshari, shawarma, falafel and Egyptian stew will be served. All fresh and natural ingredients! Everyone settle in and dine together… it could be the last meal you have.
LILITH suggests waiting until there is more sunlight before they hunt down the kaiju. Outsiders can rest, but do not sleep! Maybe wait for the sunrise together? Find other ways to kill some time? Maybe there are new Outsiders that would like to know about the previous kaijus? As the sun begins to rise, it paints the most beautiful sunrise that maybe Outsiders have ever seen. Were some of those new colors in the sky? How romantic.
▶ 002. QUICK AS SAND.
After the sun rises, Outsiders and LILITH prepare to leave the temporary base and head further towards the Qattara Depression. The trek starts out pretty easy, but the geography soon gets more and more dangerous, leading into what seems to be a large crevice in the Earth. Captain Yamakawa gives a report once the Outsiders have reached this area:
While it’s true that the area does contain many sand crocodiles popping out and spitting embers, there is no sight of any other kaiju. Yet, all evidence points to the fact that it is here. The rift energy is immense in this location, and those exposed may be hit with nightmares, bad memory sharing or a weakness to sunlight. As characters move along, following Yamakawa’s lead on her camel, those with keen hearing will detect it before anyone else: moaning, groaning. Sounds of agony, all coming from beneath them. It gets louder, causing Yamakawa to halt. But as soon as everyone stops, they will feel the ground start to sink beneath them.
It’s quicksand!
Yamakawa and any other Outsiders who may have been traveling close with her will soon be engulfed by the sand, first taking the camels by their legs. It’s never good to panic while in quicksand, and Yamakawa remains calm as ever, but if anyone tries to pull her and others out, she will say,
As characters vanish beneath the sand, they will see that Captain Yamakawa is correct — the quicksand leads to a hidden, ruined city beneath the Qattara Depression: a perfect lair for a kaiju who is sensitive to sunlight. Outsiders slowly fall and hit the rocky ground not-so gently, heaps of sand flowing after. Rub it from your eyes and remove it from your ears to marvel at a city that time has forgotten.
In the middle of the ruins, there is a large temple. It’s time to find that kaiju!
“Angels of LILITH, we have evidence that this area is filled with many sand crocodiles. We have supplied everyone with more shotguns and ammo, but use any other means to keep yourself safe. We have received evidence that the kaiju is in this general area. Keep alert! Who knows what sorts of powers it possesses that we may not know about!”
While it’s true that the area does contain many sand crocodiles popping out and spitting embers, there is no sight of any other kaiju. Yet, all evidence points to the fact that it is here. The rift energy is immense in this location, and those exposed may be hit with nightmares, bad memory sharing or a weakness to sunlight. As characters move along, following Yamakawa’s lead on her camel, those with keen hearing will detect it before anyone else: moaning, groaning. Sounds of agony, all coming from beneath them. It gets louder, causing Yamakawa to halt. But as soon as everyone stops, they will feel the ground start to sink beneath them.
It’s quicksand!
Yamakawa and any other Outsiders who may have been traveling close with her will soon be engulfed by the sand, first taking the camels by their legs. It’s never good to panic while in quicksand, and Yamakawa remains calm as ever, but if anyone tries to pull her and others out, she will say,
“This is it… This is how we get down below. The kaiju is under us! Angels of LILITH, hold your breath… Let the sand consume you if you wish to go further with me!”
As characters vanish beneath the sand, they will see that Captain Yamakawa is correct — the quicksand leads to a hidden, ruined city beneath the Qattara Depression: a perfect lair for a kaiju who is sensitive to sunlight. Outsiders slowly fall and hit the rocky ground not-so gently, heaps of sand flowing after. Rub it from your eyes and remove it from your ears to marvel at a city that time has forgotten.
In the middle of the ruins, there is a large temple. It’s time to find that kaiju!
▶ 003. TOMB RAIDER
The inside of the ruins are dark and mostly devoid of natural sunlight. However, there does occasionally seem to be flickers of light, as the sand above them runs fluidly across where the sky would be, almost like water. Due to the lack of visibility, Outsiders will need to utilize their LILITH-provided equipment or find other methods or sources for light. Everyone will have access to a flashlight, but there will also be abandoned torches nearby should anyone really want to impersonate Indiana Jones here. Once they arrive deeper in, they will see some of the torches spark to life, operated by a mysterious technology.
It's clear that these ruins were made for the sole purpose of housing the temple at its center, which appears to also be a type of tomb. There's a certain silent reverence to it, as it naturally demands respect. Or, it's the ominous presence of the sand crocodiles slithering about in the sands. The crocodiles can be lurking under any surface of sand, and so Outsiders will be cautioned and asked to be on the lookout, not only for themselves, but their fellow teammates.
If the crocodiles weren't alarming enough, as one enters the tomb itself, they will discover several booby traps awaiting them. If one steps carelessly, they'll find themselves at the other end of a vicious trap — some are triggered by stepping on the wrong stone, or grabbing a nearby torch. Some are even activated just by making eye contact with the wrong painting on the wall. If Outsiders feel any vibrations, they will get warnings on their oculars that a boulder may be swiftly approaching! Run and seek an alcove to hide in!
For those who are savvy with dismantling traps, they will find that some of them do have workarounds if you know the right methodology behind each one. As for if they will be given the time for it, that's another story, but maybe another Outsider can do the honors of triggering it while another suppresses it?
People should also do their best not to be drawn by some of the treasure or gems that are placed into several of the rooms with tombs. Picking up even one sliver of gold, or a gem will cause the mummies to reanimate. The mummies have an ability to produce sounds that can render people unconscious, or even cause their inner eardrums to bleed. While they are slow moving, they are also incredibly persistent, and as they're already technically dead, get on the wrong side of one and you may be stuck with it following you around. Fire seems to slow them down pretty effectively, as well. Should you be stuck with an aggressive one, however, it will do everything it can to try and harvest your organs. Completely dismembering them will un-alive them again.
Outsiders will get a notice when the rift energies increase in intensity as they traverse deeper within the tomb. Unexpectedly, it isn't the end of the tomb they're being led to, but the center of it.
It's clear that these ruins were made for the sole purpose of housing the temple at its center, which appears to also be a type of tomb. There's a certain silent reverence to it, as it naturally demands respect. Or, it's the ominous presence of the sand crocodiles slithering about in the sands. The crocodiles can be lurking under any surface of sand, and so Outsiders will be cautioned and asked to be on the lookout, not only for themselves, but their fellow teammates.
If the crocodiles weren't alarming enough, as one enters the tomb itself, they will discover several booby traps awaiting them. If one steps carelessly, they'll find themselves at the other end of a vicious trap — some are triggered by stepping on the wrong stone, or grabbing a nearby torch. Some are even activated just by making eye contact with the wrong painting on the wall. If Outsiders feel any vibrations, they will get warnings on their oculars that a boulder may be swiftly approaching! Run and seek an alcove to hide in!
For those who are savvy with dismantling traps, they will find that some of them do have workarounds if you know the right methodology behind each one. As for if they will be given the time for it, that's another story, but maybe another Outsider can do the honors of triggering it while another suppresses it?
People should also do their best not to be drawn by some of the treasure or gems that are placed into several of the rooms with tombs. Picking up even one sliver of gold, or a gem will cause the mummies to reanimate. The mummies have an ability to produce sounds that can render people unconscious, or even cause their inner eardrums to bleed. While they are slow moving, they are also incredibly persistent, and as they're already technically dead, get on the wrong side of one and you may be stuck with it following you around. Fire seems to slow them down pretty effectively, as well. Should you be stuck with an aggressive one, however, it will do everything it can to try and harvest your organs. Completely dismembering them will un-alive them again.
Outsiders will get a notice when the rift energies increase in intensity as they traverse deeper within the tomb. Unexpectedly, it isn't the end of the tomb they're being led to, but the center of it.
▶ 004. HEART OF THE TOMB.
At the very center, the first thing everyone will notice is the rift. The rift effects will be strongest in this area. Thankfully, unlike the kaiju in Transylvania, everyone will still have full access to their abilities. One thing that can be noted, however, is that the rift energy may feel stronger than before, and Outsiders may feel an odd tingle that can be felt even through their suits. They may also find that if their attention strays for too long, they can feel their limbs go a little numb, so this battle will require all their focus.
While there are rift effects, hopefully that doesn't get in the way of anyone's performance. Especially as it doesn't take long for the kaiju to kick itself into gear.
This kaiju is capable of trapping people in nightmares and illusions, as well as sharing them. In addition, by looking its target in the eyes, it’s capable of causing them to feel intense fear to the point of paranoia. These effects can last even when no longer in the presence of the Kabus. The Kabus uses the disorientation caused by its abilities to render its victims incapable of fighting back, and uses its dark and inky black tendrils to trap its victims. The tendrils cannot be cut, and almost appear illusory as well.
The mummies also seem to be working in tandem with the Kabus and will gradually make their appearance in this deepest region of the tomb. However, they seem less aggressive and are far more interested in grabbing, or biting down on Outsiders to decrease their overall mobility, especially if they fall under the Kabus nightmares.
Unlike the permanent rift in Tokyo, LILITH will eventually send in help by blocking off some rift signals, enough to eventually get them shut down. Without the power of the rift, the Kabus’ power will also begin to dwindle, which hopefully all the Outsiders take full advantage of.
While there are rift effects, hopefully that doesn't get in the way of anyone's performance. Especially as it doesn't take long for the kaiju to kick itself into gear.
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: Kabus
HEIGHT: 3 m
WEIGHT: 10 T
CLASS: Extremely Dangerous
LOCATION: Qattara, Egypt
ABILITIES: Shortens daylight, infiltrates a being's consciousness and body through their dreams to stop their heart.
WEAKNESSES: Ice, water, sunlight, any symbols that reflect "light" or "life".
EXTRA NOTES: This is a kaiju that has never been documented by LILITH before—not much information can be provided. Proceed with extreme caution.
RIFT EFFECTS: Bad memory share, weakness to sunlight, nightmares.
█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO: SEE ABOVE
This kaiju is capable of trapping people in nightmares and illusions, as well as sharing them. In addition, by looking its target in the eyes, it’s capable of causing them to feel intense fear to the point of paranoia. These effects can last even when no longer in the presence of the Kabus. The Kabus uses the disorientation caused by its abilities to render its victims incapable of fighting back, and uses its dark and inky black tendrils to trap its victims. The tendrils cannot be cut, and almost appear illusory as well.
The mummies also seem to be working in tandem with the Kabus and will gradually make their appearance in this deepest region of the tomb. However, they seem less aggressive and are far more interested in grabbing, or biting down on Outsiders to decrease their overall mobility, especially if they fall under the Kabus nightmares.
Unlike the permanent rift in Tokyo, LILITH will eventually send in help by blocking off some rift signals, enough to eventually get them shut down. Without the power of the rift, the Kabus’ power will also begin to dwindle, which hopefully all the Outsiders take full advantage of.
▶ 005. AFTERMATH
It's an intense fight, and Kento Nanami along with Cagalli deliver the hardest blows with 600 HP each, the monster grows weaker. It somehow knows it is about to die, though, especially when Choso's toxic blood poisons it. It's spiteful, seeking revenge for the pain it is feeling, and when it is attacked again, it lashes out, temporarily blinding Power and releasing a deafening screech to disorient Rico. The final blow is delivered by Muramasa, and when it dies, it speaks to him, something inaudible but it sounds like it is speaking in Arabic. It dissipates into sand, and LILITH encourages Outsiders to round up the sand for further evaluation. From the looks of it, though, it appears to be nothing special.
When the Kabus is eventually defeated, Outsiders will have a pocket of time in which they must make their escape before the tomb is completely buried in sand. Perhaps, without the kaiju there, the structure is no longer stable. If Outsiders don’t want to be buried in sand, they will have to make their escape swiftly.
... But not without gathering samples: Outsiders will be prompted to collect as many samples as they can. Some of these samples will be given over to the research institute, but the researchers of LILITH also feel like they could find a use in the sand and bloody bandages that the lynx left behind.
The Outsiders and LILITH crew escape successfully, moments before the underground is filled with sand. They high trek it back to the Alexandria Institute, where they are greeted with something that Outsiders have probably been craving.. along with crowds cheering, some falling to their knees in gratitude, LILITH & the Outsiders are provided the following before flying back to Neo Tokyo:
Free lodging at the most comfortable hotels with the most comfortable beds. Finally, they can rest easily and as much as they want to without the threat of the kaiju around! It takes one full day cycle for daylight and night time to return to normal, and after a long, sleep.. LILITH encourages the Outsiders to sleep as much as they would like because they deserve it.
Right when they close their eyes, though, one more message flashes across their oculars. It's been awhile since Outsiders have heard from their robotic-tentacled Commander. After all of that, he has a few words. On voice, he speaks, but then he also sends a text message:
When the Kabus is eventually defeated, Outsiders will have a pocket of time in which they must make their escape before the tomb is completely buried in sand. Perhaps, without the kaiju there, the structure is no longer stable. If Outsiders don’t want to be buried in sand, they will have to make their escape swiftly.
... But not without gathering samples: Outsiders will be prompted to collect as many samples as they can. Some of these samples will be given over to the research institute, but the researchers of LILITH also feel like they could find a use in the sand and bloody bandages that the lynx left behind.
The Outsiders and LILITH crew escape successfully, moments before the underground is filled with sand. They high trek it back to the Alexandria Institute, where they are greeted with something that Outsiders have probably been craving.. along with crowds cheering, some falling to their knees in gratitude, LILITH & the Outsiders are provided the following before flying back to Neo Tokyo:
Free lodging at the most comfortable hotels with the most comfortable beds. Finally, they can rest easily and as much as they want to without the threat of the kaiju around! It takes one full day cycle for daylight and night time to return to normal, and after a long, sleep.. LILITH encourages the Outsiders to sleep as much as they would like because they deserve it.
Right when they close their eyes, though, one more message flashes across their oculars. It's been awhile since Outsiders have heard from their robotic-tentacled Commander. After all of that, he has a few words. On voice, he speaks, but then he also sends a text message:
“... Good job. Most impressive."
...👍
...👍
- Medical staff will be on standby.
- Effects from the kaiju can last 24-48 hours to fully dissipate. (Note: This is up to players how they want to play this out. It could also come and go, so it does not affect their ability to play in any other aspect of the game in the meantime).
- As Outsiders were able to discuss and piece together some clues: they were able to rendezvous with the lynx in the desert and collect a hefty amount of samples (sand from the lynx, bloody bandages from the lynx, mummy parts.) Some of these samples will be used for medicine, while others for their suit. While Greece is still unresponsive, it may just be because of the rifts.
- LILITH will offer the energy drinks freely to those who want them. However, since it seems like some Outsiders get carried away, there will be a daily cap of two.
- The ESSENCE generator shows signs of working again, now with all aspects of the rift gone (the rift itself and the kaiju.)
- There will now be a simulation option once Neo Tokyo base reopens to mimic traps, so people can practice avoiding them. Even the ones with random screaming being used to lure people in. (They can’t believe this works).
▶ 006. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our seventh kaiju log!
Aftermath details were gathered from reading through the chat logs of the last post and from IC discoveries and explorations that took place in which unearthed the location of the Kabus.
All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards April AC.
Aftermath details were gathered from reading through the chat logs of the last post and from IC discoveries and explorations that took place in which unearthed the location of the Kabus.
All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards April AC.
EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. EGYPTIAN DINNER: Investigative efforts and careful research has led to the Outsiders next location. They are moved out from the comfort of their temporary base and are now having their last supper before they head out to the hunt.
2. QUICK AS SAND: They encounter more foes in the desert in the form of sand crocodiles. Everyone is provided weapons and ammo to hold these creatures back and minimize initial damages to the team. However, it seems the one of their biggest mysteries get solved. It's quicksand! .... and it looks like there's a lot more to unearth beneath them.
3. TOMB RAIDER: Outsiders arrive at the entrance of the tomb. Once in it, they are prey not only to the sand crocodiles, but the various booby traps set out for them. They will also encounter mummies which seem to be reanimated or powered by the kaiju.
4. HEART OF THE TOMB: Outsiders will find the kaiju at the heart of the tomb. As the preliminary report states, the kaiju infiltrates a being's consciousness and body through their dreams to stop their heart. Outsiders will need to be wary of this fact while battling the kaiju.
5. AFTERMATH: Recap of the usual aid provided to Outsiders. As well as some thoughts and details moving forward as a result of investigative efforts and details noted from prior log.
— CLOSED to RATIO
It's a wide variety of people, familiar — even if you don't recognize them at all — before they start surging forward. More shouts. Things that should be a given; working wages, good meals, public works. 'My kid got the gray because of them!' or 'They can't even play in the river!' or any number of complaints.
Breaths kick up, faster. Look left, look right, everyone is holding the line. No breaking, no —
Someone in the front line gets into an argument with one of them. He's a fairly stocky guy (left) and he's yelling at one of them, before the cuffs come out. It's escalating. It was always meant to escalate, isn't it? Trying to make the point, show them that it isn't going to work?
Breathing harder, there's a bottle in hand. Maybe it was always going to end up this way. Why else would you have brought it. The flick of a lighter, before it's lit, a Molotov Cocktail in hand, before it's thrown right at the enforcers.
It hits the ground, spreading with fire that turns the sky and the riot gas red, smoke kicks up, and all hell breaks loose. A surge of bodies start pushing forward, the authorities jump the barricades, and both sides start fighting.. It's war. It's violent. The guns are used, bullets go flying.
The sound of a bullet impacts the body, a cry to the left, behind, and it sounds familiar. There's a lurch, somewhere in the pit of the stomach, something nauseating. And still, the fight goes on. They're coming, they're coming — The butt of a rifle lashes out, and impacts in the left eye, forcing everything to go temporarily black, and things swim back into focus.
Ratio might be greeted with the tight grimace of a man with an unblinking eye, who's arms are crossed and leaning against one of the temple walls while he tries to half-blink away... something. ]
no subject
The air is smoky—unhealthy, carcinogenic—and it irritates Ratio's throat and eyes. He tries to blink away the tears forming in his eyes and comes to the conclusion that some sort of lachrymatory agent must be in use. And then—things explode. Literally and figuratively.
A molotov is thrown, and like a signal for war, a riot breaks out. Fists are thrown, bullets go flying, and bodies hit the ground. Ratio, completely clueless to the situation other than what context clues he can gather, is shoved left and right by people, but manages to wade through the crowd until he makes it to the wall nearby. Here, he's greeted by a familiar face. ]
Silco.
no subject
He's wheezing, breathing too hard. Staring, in shock, at some of the bodies. Ratio says his name, and he jumps, nearly out of his skin.
There's a roar somewhere in the fight. A beast of a man reaches out for one of the enforcers, and slugs him straight in the jaw, sending him down.
Silco doesn't even look. his eyes slide from Ratio to a pile of bodies. ]
What's — [ No, he knows what's happening. He's not so young that his voice is different. Just rawer. From the screaming. ] You picked a bad day to try to cross the bridge, friend.
[ It's filled with wry, dark humor.
He's angry. He's barely holding it together. ] Should have crossed for whatever... [ He waved a hand at him. He was clearly too fancy to be one of them. ] you wanted out of us yesterday. Now you're probably stuck for good.
[ His hands shake. The fighting continues. The enforcers aren't moving further back than the barricade. They're going to have to pull back, because when reinforcements come... They'll all need to evacuate. He should.
He should do that. He needs to do that.
His hands still shake.
His eyes look at the dead eyes nearby. She's laying back, the bullet went right through her. He hoped she hadn't felt it. ]
no subject
Acting isn't his forte, but playing along is the best way to learn more before the spell is broken. ]
I clearly don't belong here. They'll let me through once everything has settled.
[ He only looks somewhat perturbed, as if the riot around them has absolutely no bearing on him. It's not quite acting, because he's certain he should appear more afraid, but he knows how the rich and powerful like to behave sometimes. He isn't out of line yet. ]
no subject
Well, how pleasant for you, I'm sure.
[ Some of that bite the older version of him will have.
He reaches up to start tying back his hair again. So much longer than the man in the future, he puts it into a messy
manbun. ]Just wait. They'll be on lockdown for days. Nobody in or out. Not after this.
[ The biggest man roars something loud, metal-clad fists punching the lights out of one of the enforcers. His eyes flick towards him, a twitch of his lips. ]
Especially if enough of them pay.
May as well make sure you have a place to stay. [ A tip of his head, and that smile is a little sharper. ] Just in case.
no subject
Are you offering to show me a place?
[ It's Silco's memory, after all. He doesn't gain anything from walking away from the man. ]
no subject
[ He asks, with a sneer. Silco may be younger, but there's the makings of the man here. He's easier, more comfortable, but he isn't kind. His fingers lift up to tap gently a the skin around his left eye, where the butt of a rifle cut at it. He winced. It's going to hurt, and take forever to properly heal.
He has no clue yet, that it never will. That it'll be the injury he's known for soon enough. ]
No offense, but you're lucky we aren't just tossing you over the side, given how they are going at us right now.
[ A jerk of his head. The fire is escalating. The big man punches one of them several times knocking them out. He looks over his shoulder to Silco, and the man nods. Silco's eyes stay on his, they don't drift to the bodies.
He can't think about that right now. He doesn't try to share it. Not until the Enforcers retreat. ]
I'm sure you'll have plenty of coin to find something to your... taste.
no subject
How much longer will this memory run, he wonders. There may be no benefits to continuing his charade, especially since it seems like Silco's group is preparing to retreat soon. There's no guarantee the dream will follow them after. ]
Perhaps. But have you considered why I am here, speaking to you at this moment, in this chaos?
[ Whether this prompts a continuation of the dream or gets Silco to realize the reality of the situation is a toss up, but either outcome is acceptable to Ratio. ]
no subject
[ He asks, his head tipped. Silco was once a somewhat handsome man, though the thin and lean features, chipped teeth, and overbite certainly left a lot to be desired. There's a split second. A roaring of the crowd, the enforcers are starting to retreat for the moment, behind the barricades. The fire starts to rise, before they start trying to put it out with water. It works well enough, but the smoke seems to fill the bridge.
It's red. The sky is red. The ground is red. There's so much smoke, and ash drifts in the air. The crowd dips quickly into sobs. The largest of them lets out a scream of anguish, standing over bodies, a scream, before he turns and jumps for one of the escaping enforcers, and Silco —
That stare is longer on his face. So much longer. Like now that the fight is fading, realization is starting to dawn. Of the dream? Of what's happening? It's not clear. He blinks, the swollen eye doesn't. It won't really ever again, will it? The smoke fills their lungs, makes the air too thick, and in the time it takes for him to try and step away —
It's no longer there. No smoke. Just the heat, and the sand, and the cavern they're in.
His hand tries to grip into the side of the cavern, gnashing skin against the cave walls. His eyes wind, a half-unblinking, blackened stare, over the rest of the cave. Ratio, he looks for him, and his stare is...
Angry. At him? The Kaiju? It's unclear. ]
no subject
And then they're both back where they belong. Back under the sands, hunting kaiju, and not in the middle of a socioeconomic uprising.
Anger. He isn't surprised to see that written all over Silco's face. The memory isn't one he would think the other would ever voluntarily share if asked. ]
How are you feeling?
no subject
He looks like a wounded, caged animal.
This was just the first part of the whole sorry tale, after all. This is what started it. Everything from the injury around his eye, to losing everything, to becoming a new, reborn man. It all came back to the bridge. It was all at the bottom of the river Pilt. ]
Fine.
[ He says, tersely. He doesn't ask for him to keep it to himself, he should make it seem as unimportant as possible, as his expression cools in real time before him. As he runs a hand through his hair, and it's like all of that anger and trauma and history is tucked back into place where it belongs.
In the past. ]
What you saw was clearly a long time ago.
[ Well, Silco had been much younger. Lean, and handsome, but still rough around the edges. The kind of kid that probably could have fleeced you for every dollar you were worth, and then some. Easy, underneath all that anger. ]
no subject
Yet it doesn't seem like you've gotten past it.
[ It's just a quip, rather than a true attempt to get Silco to open up. Because it's clear to anyone that Silco bears a deep grudge, and that his unfriendly personality was formed due to the traumas of his past. ]
no subject
His lip curled, and his head tipped. ]
Past a lifetime of enforcer brutality and poverty? Being beaten down for standing up for what should be ours?
[ A soft scoff. ]
Imagine. That was only one moment that you saw. [ The moment. The conception of the man he was now from the man he had been. That moment had started it. She was dead, she was dead, and... so was the man he was. He hadn't died then, but that moment had signed his death warrant.
He was not that man anymore. ] It was not shocking. Only larger in scope than what it usually was.