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.
no subject
He wants to answer Aventurine's question fully, but doesn't respond immediately as he ponders how much energy he's willing to use to reassure his fiancé. ]
Fool. Even without your curse, the chance you or I could die the next day remains the same.
[ He speaks slowly, each word requiring effort to push out. But he continues, determined to convey his thoughts to Aventurine. ]
Blaming this on your luck means blinding yourself to the factors contributing to my current state. I am at fault for letting down my guard in battle. Fatigued, and distracted by another's predicament across the field. I sent aid, but opened myself to attack.
[ Maybe if Ratio hadn't been so tired, he wouldn't have made that mistake. Maybe it's because Ratio has been growing increasingly homesick, a feeling he didn't think was possible for him, with how frequently he traveled around the cosmos for work. Maybe he'd become soft in happiness and let his mind dull foolishly, when they are but summoned soldiers for a battlefield they have no business being in. He could think of a million reasons why none of this was Aventurine's fault. ]
If you wish to protect me, then you must be cognizant of what endangers me. Your luck is not a tangible threat.
[ In other words, Aventurine must learn to plan around his so-called luck, and do what he can to mitigate the risk. Shrugging helplessly as it takes its so-called toll is foolish behaviour, and Ratio will not tolerate it. ]
no subject
Ratio. We've worked together long enough that you should know my luck is as real and true as anything. Are you saying I should, what? Pre-empt it?
no subject
Your luck may be real, but the toll? Less so, in my opinion.
[ He closes his eyes to think, or at least try to. He can't remember what Aventurine has told and shown him through shared memories of the losses he's been dealt. It has been a lot, but most have happened only during a specific period of his life. ]
Compared to that luck, how often has the toll been paid? If your fortune comes at a price, why didn't it come for me when I was, though only a colleague then, the person closest to you? Why didn't it come for me when I confessed months ago, if it was waiting for a suitable target?
[ He stops for a moment to catch his breath, head somewhat dizzy. Oh, he really shouldn't be talking this much should he? But he continues to talk, aware that his words are starting to make less and less sense. ]
You do not have proof that it still exists, now that you have risen to the position of Aventurine. Perhaps a lifetime's worth of fortune has already been paid in your losses. You cannot know what your so-called curse demands from you, if anything. And even if it still demands from you, you should have the power to stop it, as a Stoneheart. None of them died to an accident, correct?
[ He grips onto Aventurine's hand as desperately as he can, though given his current state, he can hardly muster the strength. ]
...I won't stop you, if you truly want to leave. If you've lost affection for me, because I was foolish and didn't protect myself from injury, knowing how you feel about that curse of yours. But I cannot accept you leaving because you are afraid that your luck will kill me. I refuse.
[ He clings onto Aventurine with all the might of a man recovering from near-death. If Aventurine left now... he wasn't a weak-willed man by any means, but how long could he go on experiencing battle, injury and trauma without him as an anchor? Nearly a year has passed here, and he already feels so tired of it all. ]
tw suicidal inclinations i guess. idk man it's aventurine he's a mess.
( But how to explain why he doesn't think it has changed? Why it doesn't matter if the cost of his luck has been settled, because there is one thing he knows for sure: he doesn't ever get what he really wants. Power? Sure. Money? He's got loads.
Yet when he wanted death so hard he threw himself into every problem, every scheme knowing full well that there was a chance he would die, death escaped him. There was always the rush, always the high, always the fear that this time, this time he wouldn't live and his luck would fail. But there is a part of him that wanted that. That wanted to simply be able to give himself over to the nothingness. )
It isn't just the toll it takes on others, you know. Do you know how many times I've tried to die, only to have my damned luck keep me from it? You probably shouldn't guess, actually. ( A small, tight, nearly manic laugh. No, Ratio doesn't need to know that when the man has nearly died himself. But his desire to join his loved ones, his desire to feel something that isn't nothing, all of that isn't a secret to Ratio. Or else he wouldn't have left him that note. Wished that he would stay alive when Aventurine had finally achieved what he wanted. ) I got everything I wanted except for what really mattered to me then. But now I have you, and you matter. I'm... not used to having something I want, something that means something, without it coming at a cost. Things don't work like that for me. They never have.
no subject
He can't blame Aventurine for that. For all the losses he's suffered, Ratio cannot truly understand how much pain he'd been in. Still is. He hates that he's bitter about it, like his love should have helped Aventurine heal somewhat. Foolish thinking, you stupid scholar. You knew that you couldn't ever hope to heal his wounds—that was something Aventurine had to figure out on his own. But still, you foolishly believed things would change. That Aventurine would one day be freed from the shackles that bound him, metaphorically and emotionally.
He turns his head away, refusing to look at Aventurine with the emotions bubbling underneath his skin and further muddling his already exhausted and dizzy mind. ]
...Then why did you accept my confession, if you truly believe it would condemn me to death? If you believe this relationship would have never worked out? Did you think you could indulge for a moment or two and then pretend to whatever greater deity controlling your curse that it was a lie and that you never cared for that silly, foolish scholar at all, so don't target him?
What kind of ludicrous hogwash is that? I thought you were far smarter than that, gambler.
[ He's being selfish. He's not in his right mind. What about my feelings, he wants to cry, but he cannot say that because he is not the one suffering from the possibility that he could lose his partner to a curse he believes in. He can't complain when he has led a cushy life full of success and obtained almost everything he desired. What is heartbreak compared to the loss of an entire clan and all those you have ever cared for?
He tries weakly to pull his hand out of Aventurine's grasp. ]
Leave. If you're so determined to be a slave to your 'curse', then leave. I do not wish to speak to you until we are both of clearer minds.
no subject
But he'd been so happy. He couldn't really remember what it felt like until he'd suddenly found that being able to touch Ratio, to kiss him and to be loved in return had made everything better, had let him find a reason to get up in the morning. Because he wants to stay )
I wanted to be happy. ( And Ratio told him that he could stand to be more selfish, didn't he? ) You make me happy. You make me want to live.
( Ratio told him to be selfish. Ratio told him to be selfish. And right now what he wants most is to have Ratio. To be loved by Ratio. To wake up every morning and see his face. He wants to be loved by Doctor Veritas Ratio, and to love him in return until Aventurine can't anymore. And if he leaves, if he runs away... he's not going to have that anymore, is he?
So he frowns, the tears leaking down the corner of his eyes, but when he speaks again his voice is steadier. )
No. Not unless you want me to, and you're going to have to look me in the eyes when you say it. You nearly died, Ratio, and I've-- ( He rubs at his eyes, as red as they are. ) What do you need from me?
no subject
But Aventurine refuses firmly, and his breath hitches. He'd been resigned to the idea of recovering alone, even if his heart ached from the idea. But that isn't what he really wants. All this time, during this whole conversation, what he wanted most was— ]
For you to stay. [ Ratio turns to face him once more after a long moment of silence, making evident that tears had trailed down his cheeks—that he'd been crying. His voice wavers, thick with emotion. ] For you to stay despite your fears that I may die to your curse. For you to risk the chance of being devastated once more, because you believe we can avoid that ending. For you to trust me.
[ He's being so selfish. He shouldn't ask this of Aventurine, it's not fair to him. But he asks anyway, because he's a greedy, selfish man, not the good hearted person Aventurine always seems to think he is. ]
Please... Don't leave me... Kakavasha.
[ It's a heartfelt plea. He would be devastated without Aventurine. He needs Aventurine as much as Aventurine needs him. Doesn't he know? ]
no subject
But Ratio wants him to stay, and Aventurine promised he'd be more selfish. And wanting to stay with Veritas while dooming him is the most selfish thing he can possibly imagine.
So he'll stay. )
I won't. I won't, Veritas, I'll stay. Don't-- don't cry, Doc, I'm not going anywhere.
no subject
Apologize for binding Aventurine with his selfish desires when he ought to be free to do as he pleases. ]
I'm sorry...
[ His hand reaches out, seeking Aventurine's with his fading strength. ]
no subject
( He can recognize that, at least, and moves to sit on the edge of the bed, taking more of Ratio's weight on him in order to keep the man upright and comfortable even as he starts slipping back into sleep. This way, at least, he'll know that Aventurine has stayed with him, and his fingers intertwine with Ratio's to squeeze the other man's back with a soft shake.
Aventurine is trying. He's trying for Ratio. Possibly the only person in this universe he would do it for; and back in their own. )
C'mon, you've got to rest. I'll be here.
no subject
...love you...
[ Eventually, his breathing evens out. ]
no subject
Whenever Ratio next wakes for any time longer than just long enough to eat or drink, he'll find Aventurine still tucked against him -- a small tray laid out in front of him filled with turquoise stones, colorful silk threads, and thin golden wire. He's clearly working on some sort of stringed item, every so often cursing under his breath.
It is, unfortunately, not going well for Aventurine. Not only is it slow going, but the ornament itself is rather ugly looking.
Which is why, when he feels Ratio stir again, he eagerly abandons his work in favor of kissing the side of Ratio's head. )
Hey there, handsome.
no subject
...Aventurine.
[ He relishes the soft kiss to his head (though surely Aventurine must be repulsed by how oily it is right now?? He hasn't washed for ages) and looks up at the other man, noting the expression on his face.
Then his eyes stray to the bright turquoise stones on the tray to the side. ]
What is...?
no subject
Oh. Well, it's supposed to be a good luck charm.
( He is aware that it doesn't look anything like it does in his memories, and he sighs, shoulders slumping a little. )
no subject
Practice makes perfect, my dear gambler.
[ Ratio would have been happy to accept the lumpy, uneven attempt at the charm either way, but Aventurine would want to do better, wouldn't he? And Ratio doesn't mind waiting until he's satisfied with the result.
He takes the time to get a good look at Aventurine, trying to determine the other man's state of being. ]
Have you been eating and sleeping regularly?
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Rubbing his free hand against his cheek for a second, there's an unmistakable flush of embarrassment on his cheek, traveling to his ears and neck. )
You say that, but I can't remember the finer details of what it's supposed to look like, let alone how to make it. ( As for his eating and sleeping, well. ) Shouldn't I be asking you that? How're you feeling?
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[ Maybe he'd be afraid of further corrupting his fading memories of his home and his people, but Ratio could think of a solution. He always has a solution for anything, and he'd hate to disappoint Aventurine in this regard. ]
Better. Not perfect, of course, but I am recovering steadily. Your presence has made it easier.
[ It's hard to voice exactly how much Aventurine staying by his side has put him at ease. Waking every time to see the other man nearby, or signs of his presence lingering on the odd chance he woke while Aventurine stepped out for a short errand. He's been plagued by weird dreams and memories of others every time he closes his eyes, so escaping to reality, where he has what he wants has been so, so relieving. ]
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( He perks up, the idea not having occurred to him. He was more focused on getting his hands on the supplies and actually working on it over figuring out how to recreate the finer details. It's not like anyone here would know exactly what he was trying to do, anyway, so what would have been the point? Trust Ratio, even in recovery, to have an idea.
Turning more into Ratio's side, Aventurine rests his head against Ratio's shoulder -- happy just to see the other man alive and well. )
Good. Beyond the whole, you know. ( Crushing fear that Ratio is going to die. ) It's kind of nice to be on the other end of this for a change. Since you're always the one waiting for my luck to help me pull through whenever things go pear shaped back home.
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[ One they can work on together later, once Ratio has recovered and has caught up on his work.
Ratio shifts to lean against Aventurine. He closes his eyes and sighs contentedly. ]
Now you understand, hm? I hope you take it into account when you concoct hare-brained schemes in the future.
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( Ratio had said to think of ways to protect Ratio from his own luck, after all. And while he's working on making more concrete plans on how, exactly, to do that, he's settled for this. Maybe... maybe the oldest way he knows how is the best way. )
Unlike you, my dear Doctor, I'm guaranteed to make it out the other end no worse for wear. So let's consider this a one-time learning experience and say that I'll do what I can to make sure of that, hmm? I'm going to be a married man eventually, you know, and something about that makes me think that maybe there's a point to seeing tomorrow.
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Perhaps you may think of it that way, but I...
[ The words are murmured quietly, not entirely for Aventurine's ears. He might think he'll come out unscathed every time, but Ratio has never once thought the same. Hoped, yes. Perhaps foolishly believed that his luck would hold true. But there would always be a part of him that feared the worst, and he would stand there bearing a racing heart and clammy hands as the gambler's plans unfolded in a spectacular fashion. ]
I, too, will endeavour not to have a repeat occurrence. This has been a less-than-enjoyable experience; one that I am not keen on ever repeating.
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Well, you know how it is.
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I, too, would struggle without your presence to ground me. This place has been...
[ Trying. Wearing down on his soul. He closes his eyes and sighs, envisioning the familiar hues of his home behind his eyelids.
He misses it. And the University, and his earnest students, and his idiotic colleagues, and— everything.
He sighs again, deep and weary, and presses his face into the crown of Aventurine's head. Truly, he's thankful for Aventurine's presence. ]
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( Ratio doesn't need to put it into words, Aventurine understands. He never thought he'd miss his job, his penthouse apartment, the cat cakes, even Pier Point's artificial weather. He misses going on missions with Ratio, he misses the familiarity of his usual haunts and Topaz's presence and even Sugilite and Opal. Though he'd rather die that admit to missing those two. )
We're gonna need an entire year off when we get back. Paid vacation.
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[ Both of them know that neither of them will be able to get a year's worth of vacation, let alone even a week. The IPC was not that forgiving, and Ratio himself would not tolerate being off work for that long. That being said... ]
You may be able to file for medical leave, however. I doubt your blessings of Preservation were capable of fully protecting you from the Nihility.
[ He hasn't forgotten what situation they'd been pulled out of. If they are returned to the same point in time, Aventurine will be thrown back into wherever it is that Emanator's slash sent him. Somewhere deep in the Nihility, presumably.
He wraps his arm around Aventurine and squeezes the man against him gently. ]
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