Expiation Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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expiationlogs2025-03-11 10:18 am
expiationmods) wrote in expiationlogs2025-03-11 10:18 am
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[He doesn't react all that much to Kurt's acceptance or his understanding of his mood, the teen just lying on his side with an expression that's desperately trying to remain blank, despite how hurt he is. With how rough some of his breathes are, some of them hitching in his chest, it probably fails.]
...I. [Scott begins, like he's about to say something, but he chokes the word back down, still being just a little cagey about what happened. He doesn't even know where to begin with talking about what happened, how Kotone transformed before his very eyes in barrier of flames, screaming all the while. Then becoming a mechanized monster-- Persona, then bashing him over and over with a metal harp.
Instead, he just bites his lip, pain clear, but still struggling to put it in words. As such, he asks something else--]
How is everyone else doing? [A beat.] You didn't run into anything bad?
...I. [Scott begins, like he's about to say something, but he chokes the word back down, still being just a little cagey about what happened. He doesn't even know where to begin with talking about what happened, how Kotone transformed before his very eyes in barrier of flames, screaming all the while. Then becoming a mechanized monster-- Persona, then bashing him over and over with a metal harp.
Instead, he just bites his lip, pain clear, but still struggling to put it in words. As such, he asks something else--]
How is everyone else doing? [A beat.] You didn't run into anything bad?
[Said bird squints at Vi, chest puffing up a little because a) where are her snacks and b) she trusted the girl with the XXII and look what happened!! But there's a small shuffling on the bed as Scott becomes aware of the conversation, not exactly turning around to greet Vi, but just making sure that the fiery bird by his bedside doesn't do anything to hurt anyone.]
She's fine, Phoenix.
[So, with a little huff, Phoenix flaps to the end of the bed, mostly leaving the two to talk. Just a little points eyes to you--]
And I'm not dead. [...] Thanks for checking.
[It's sulking grumpy teenage Scott time.]
She's fine, Phoenix.
[So, with a little huff, Phoenix flaps to the end of the bed, mostly leaving the two to talk. Just a little points eyes to you--]
And I'm not dead. [...] Thanks for checking.
[It's sulking grumpy teenage Scott time.]
[Scott's at least breathing evenly, chest rise and falling and showing that's probably on the road to recovering okay. Ryoji managed to snag him in time, get him to the clinic and get some of those more severe injuries healed before Scott's situation turned worse. There's probably some comfort in that.
However, unlike the almost peaceful form of her boyfriend, Phoenix immediately rises, wings spreading before an almost ear-piercing screech breaks out from her beak. She's angry at this XXII girl for hurting her host, especially after she spent so much time comforting her while he was gone! She won't allow it again.
The bird starts forming a fireball in her mouth, the anger that's guiding her not making Phoenix puff up in her usual cute way, replaced by something a little more primal. A hint of something actually dangerous.]
However, unlike the almost peaceful form of her boyfriend, Phoenix immediately rises, wings spreading before an almost ear-piercing screech breaks out from her beak. She's angry at this XXII girl for hurting her host, especially after she spent so much time comforting her while he was gone! She won't allow it again.
The bird starts forming a fireball in her mouth, the anger that's guiding her not making Phoenix puff up in her usual cute way, replaced by something a little more primal. A hint of something actually dangerous.]
[Yep, it's happening, a bag of chips is being tossed at Kakashi's head.]
You're not going to last any longer against the Black Beast or any of the other transformed Chosen if you're going in half-injured. In fact, you'll be taken out twice as fast. [Scott breathes out, because this is what he's also been telling himself since he landed in the clinic.]
Do you want to be that burden for those around you?
You're not going to last any longer against the Black Beast or any of the other transformed Chosen if you're going in half-injured. In fact, you'll be taken out twice as fast. [Scott breathes out, because this is what he's also been telling himself since he landed in the clinic.]
Do you want to be that burden for those around you?
[He would recognize that roar anywhere, and that is why he's here.]
Atsushi-kun.
[Like some kind of spirit he appears, the moon providing a halo against his dark hair. Dazai is not an angel, though, and he is not a giver of salvation.
Still, he remains.]
Are you pitying yourself again?
Atsushi-kun.
[Like some kind of spirit he appears, the moon providing a halo against his dark hair. Dazai is not an angel, though, and he is not a giver of salvation.
Still, he remains.]
Are you pitying yourself again?
Why, hello to you too.
[Were you expecting him to make bunny apples? Too bad! Dazai's not nice enough for that!
What he is nice enough to do is to sit beside Akutagawa, making sure he's fully healed before he even thinks about hopping out of bed or something. Well, he already is. But that's exactly why he decided to barge in at that exact moment.]
The bed's not that way, Akutagawa-kun ~
[Were you expecting him to make bunny apples? Too bad! Dazai's not nice enough for that!
What he is nice enough to do is to sit beside Akutagawa, making sure he's fully healed before he even thinks about hopping out of bed or something. Well, he already is. But that's exactly why he decided to barge in at that exact moment.]
The bed's not that way, Akutagawa-kun ~
Ethlyn shook her head. This wasn't dumb, in her opinion. Riding off and leaving Ange to her own devices--she couldn't even face the thought of it. Ange was determined to battle these things with the magic she had, and Ethlyn respected that--was proud of it.
But she couldn't do it on her own.
"I'll make sure you have it." So saying, Ethlyn stepped between Ange and the beast's heads. As one of them darted towards her, fangs bared, Ethlyn slashed with her sword. It was like attacking a piece of wood--the steel practically bounced off, but she kept her grip on it, and it was enough to make the thing rear back with a hiss for the moment. "Hurry!"
But she couldn't do it on her own.
"I'll make sure you have it." So saying, Ethlyn stepped between Ange and the beast's heads. As one of them darted towards her, fangs bared, Ethlyn slashed with her sword. It was like attacking a piece of wood--the steel practically bounced off, but she kept her grip on it, and it was enough to make the thing rear back with a hiss for the moment. "Hurry!"
[As if Kurt's answer has saddened him somewhat, the shade seems to let out a breath, though he has no lungs to speak of.]
It's nothing you need to be concerned over. I am sorry if I worried you.
[It's subtle, at first. The longer his hand remains on Kurt's shoulder, the more bits and pieces he steals from the young man—his feelings and opinions about himself, whatever confidence or uncertainty he may have in his actions, thoughts about what sets him apart from others. With something like lament in his voice, he continues:]
You shouldn't have to be caught up in all this...
It's nothing you need to be concerned over. I am sorry if I worried you.
[It's subtle, at first. The longer his hand remains on Kurt's shoulder, the more bits and pieces he steals from the young man—his feelings and opinions about himself, whatever confidence or uncertainty he may have in his actions, thoughts about what sets him apart from others. With something like lament in his voice, he continues:]
You shouldn't have to be caught up in all this...
Friends that are forced to tear each other apart at the whims of some unknowable power.
[His gaze sharpens, focusing on where he knows Scott was sporting wounds from the transformed creature his girlfriend became, though the rest of the shade remains in place. He doesn't even acknowledge the emergence of the fiery creature, its presence a sidenote at best in his mind.]
Friends that will inevitably disappear, to never be seen again—or who'll simply forget you.
[His tone remains one of somber defeat rather than anger, but there's still a certainty behind it all.]
It's all temporary, Scott... Short, pointless moments between promises of misery.
[His gaze sharpens, focusing on where he knows Scott was sporting wounds from the transformed creature his girlfriend became, though the rest of the shade remains in place. He doesn't even acknowledge the emergence of the fiery creature, its presence a sidenote at best in his mind.]
Friends that will inevitably disappear, to never be seen again—or who'll simply forget you.
[His tone remains one of somber defeat rather than anger, but there's still a certainty behind it all.]
It's all temporary, Scott... Short, pointless moments between promises of misery.
[Kotone's eyes go wide when Phoenix puffs up, ready to throw a fireball, and reflexively, she looks behind her in search of a threat before realizing that no. Phoenix thinks she's the one putting Scott in danger, and honestly? She's not wrong. Even as Kotone raises her hands in the universal symbol for peace, she closes her eyes, bracing herself for Phoenix to spit a fireball at her. She really couldn't blame the bird for her reaction.]
I'm sorry, Phoenix. [Her voice is a quiet whisper, her eyes squeezed tightly shut as she mentally swaps Surt to the forefront of her mind. At least Surt can help her absorb some of the fire damage, even if she doesn't have her Evoker right now.]
I'm sorry, Phoenix. [Her voice is a quiet whisper, her eyes squeezed tightly shut as she mentally swaps Surt to the forefront of her mind. At least Surt can help her absorb some of the fire damage, even if she doesn't have her Evoker right now.]
[Aloy has had some nasty dreams about what the blighted environment was doing to things, and worse dreams about what biomass converters did to people.
She's never dreamed about fungus doing that to a person.
The lunge catches Aloy surprise, especially as she's staring up close and personal at what the fungus is doing to the girl's appearance. Her grasp on Ellie tightens unconsciously as Ellie catches an arm and the bite digs in - and she shouts her pain, before gritting her teeth and trying to get a foot on Ellie's stomach to kick her away.]
She's never dreamed about fungus doing that to a person.
The lunge catches Aloy surprise, especially as she's staring up close and personal at what the fungus is doing to the girl's appearance. Her grasp on Ellie tightens unconsciously as Ellie catches an arm and the bite digs in - and she shouts her pain, before gritting her teeth and trying to get a foot on Ellie's stomach to kick her away.]
[There's a surprising amount of defiance in Tsuna's eyes, especially to anyone who knows him. His battle expression is often so different from him the rest of the time.
Sky flames leap to his hands, burning Fandaniel's wrists as Tsuna tries to tamp down that power, devour it even, so that it can't be used anymore. To try and bring about a state of harmony that doesn't require them to fight anymore.]
How can you even think that way?
Sky flames leap to his hands, burning Fandaniel's wrists as Tsuna tries to tamp down that power, devour it even, so that it can't be used anymore. To try and bring about a state of harmony that doesn't require them to fight anymore.]
How can you even think that way?
Good. That's a relief.
[He doesn't have to worry about that fight anymore.
Tsuna grits his teeth and sits up with an obvious grimace. Everything still hurts. But he's up, and he's not falling over. That's progress.]
Yeah, I think I can...
[He doesn't have to worry about that fight anymore.
Tsuna grits his teeth and sits up with an obvious grimace. Everything still hurts. But he's up, and he's not falling over. That's progress.]
Yeah, I think I can...
[ Minato shakes his head. Not quite. The chores were all done and dusted, allowing him some time for people-watching. While it's an old pastime activity for Minato, it seems even more essential a task considering how on-edge everyone's felt. ]
Not right now. I just... wanted to see what it was like out here.
[ Whether everyone was all right; whether even the birds that frequented the town square had flown off just like the restless animals at the farm. And perhaps he'd ventured out here to see if he could catch a glimpse of the other Chosen whom he'd come to cherish over his year within Aldrip. Make sure they were all right. See if they were spooked by the unrest too.
Speaking of which -- ]
Are you okay?
[ He sees past the smile that's often on Claude's face, gaze drifting to the sweat beading on the man's brow. Perhaps he should pay Ethlyn a visit and see if she had anything to soothe whatever physical condition ailed him. Or... maybe he could assist with the help of his own magic? ]
Not right now. I just... wanted to see what it was like out here.
[ Whether everyone was all right; whether even the birds that frequented the town square had flown off just like the restless animals at the farm. And perhaps he'd ventured out here to see if he could catch a glimpse of the other Chosen whom he'd come to cherish over his year within Aldrip. Make sure they were all right. See if they were spooked by the unrest too.
Speaking of which -- ]
Are you okay?
[ He sees past the smile that's often on Claude's face, gaze drifting to the sweat beading on the man's brow. Perhaps he should pay Ethlyn a visit and see if she had anything to soothe whatever physical condition ailed him. Or... maybe he could assist with the help of his own magic? ]
[ She only has a moment to enjoy the relief of the bite, the next she's kicked away from Aloy, the force sending her rolling in a mess of forest debris.
She manages to struggle to her knees but no further, hunched over, hands clawed and tense, curled in against her chest.
Thoughts. Her thoughts. She's herself again, for now. As much as she can be. ]
Fuck. Oh fuck. You need-- to fucking run.
[ Its more choking wheeze than words. ]
She manages to struggle to her knees but no further, hunched over, hands clawed and tense, curled in against her chest.
Thoughts. Her thoughts. She's herself again, for now. As much as she can be. ]
Fuck. Oh fuck. You need-- to fucking run.
[ Its more choking wheeze than words. ]
[By ice or light? Ethlyn wonders why he says that. It almost sounds like it isn't just a turn of phrase the way hers was.
But it's something she'll need to ask about later. As the rock Viktor whacks away demonstrates. He looks entirely too cheerful in this situation where the town is under assault by a giant monster--then again, if he's so cheerful about it, that just shows he'll be well-adapted to this place.]
Unfortunately. [She rubs at the skin on her leg, ensuring that it's closed and free of pain before she gets moving again.] I would say every other month we come under attack from something--a monster, a corruption that infects people, or some other kind of danger. Having good friends is a definite boon.
[Even if they end up falling victim to the corruption themselves.]
But it's something she'll need to ask about later. As the rock Viktor whacks away demonstrates. He looks entirely too cheerful in this situation where the town is under assault by a giant monster--then again, if he's so cheerful about it, that just shows he'll be well-adapted to this place.]
Unfortunately. [She rubs at the skin on her leg, ensuring that it's closed and free of pain before she gets moving again.] I would say every other month we come under attack from something--a monster, a corruption that infects people, or some other kind of danger. Having good friends is a definite boon.
[Even if they end up falling victim to the corruption themselves.]
[The fact that his fingers are now clawed like an animal's shouldn't upset Ethlyn any more than the fact taht he's dissolved into a being of shadow, but it does, somehow.]
The night before--[The answer comes automatically, because it's such an ordinary question in spite of the situation, but she shakes her head.] And what about you? If we're going to worry about each other. Is this what sleep deprivation has done to you?
[It's not a serious question, she's trying to somehow insert a bit of levity by asking that. She just wants to know what happened to him. Surely this isn't some previously-hidden natural form of his...?]
The night before--[The answer comes automatically, because it's such an ordinary question in spite of the situation, but she shakes her head.] And what about you? If we're going to worry about each other. Is this what sleep deprivation has done to you?
[It's not a serious question, she's trying to somehow insert a bit of levity by asking that. She just wants to know what happened to him. Surely this isn't some previously-hidden natural form of his...?]
[Her answer only seems to draw out his own exhaustion, shoulders sinking with an apparent sigh. He lowers his hand to his side.]
I'm not just talking about a night of sleep. [If only that alone could solve all his woes; he shakes his head, partly to answer her question.] How many of these awful disasters have you had to suffer through? Knowing you'll barely have the time to pick up the pieces before the next?
[He avoids any explanation about his state of being—because what's happened to him is nothing. He is nothing, or close enough to reaching it; to specifically bring attention to himself would go against the wish that transformed him. The fact that he's reaching out to others at all rather than simply disappearing is more of a testament to Zekarion's willpower and lifelong desire to "help" others before himself.]
I'm not just talking about a night of sleep. [If only that alone could solve all his woes; he shakes his head, partly to answer her question.] How many of these awful disasters have you had to suffer through? Knowing you'll barely have the time to pick up the pieces before the next?
[He avoids any explanation about his state of being—because what's happened to him is nothing. He is nothing, or close enough to reaching it; to specifically bring attention to himself would go against the wish that transformed him. The fact that he's reaching out to others at all rather than simply disappearing is more of a testament to Zekarion's willpower and lifelong desire to "help" others before himself.]
[Ethelyn found him? That makes sense, given her connection to the clinic and how she's always trying her best to get people to safety. He's glad that she managed to find the kid before something got to him.
...And yeah, he knows about his healing factor, assuming that what happened in the dream was real, but that doesn't mean it's okay if he's hurt.]
Good. [Scott nods, eventually answering in a quieter, if less upset tone. This is something that he's actually glad to hear about, trying to focus on this instead of the events that led him here.] I'm sure she's been appreciating all the help you've been providing.
[And as if showing that he's accepted his help, Scott takes the tray from the table and secures it over his lap, so he can start eating the soup he gave him.]
...And yeah, he knows about his healing factor, assuming that what happened in the dream was real, but that doesn't mean it's okay if he's hurt.]
Good. [Scott nods, eventually answering in a quieter, if less upset tone. This is something that he's actually glad to hear about, trying to focus on this instead of the events that led him here.] I'm sure she's been appreciating all the help you've been providing.
[And as if showing that he's accepted his help, Scott takes the tray from the table and secures it over his lap, so he can start eating the soup he gave him.]
You will.
[He does catch how Fauna says that she's willing to try, but he wants to push her just a little more. After everything that's happened, he really doesn't want to settle for anything less.]
You know more about the wish seeds than anyone else, you can give out more information and continue answering questions if people have them. That's important. [Knowing more about the situation will help with dealing with it, right?]
Otherwise, you can help the other injured here.
[He does catch how Fauna says that she's willing to try, but he wants to push her just a little more. After everything that's happened, he really doesn't want to settle for anything less.]
You know more about the wish seeds than anyone else, you can give out more information and continue answering questions if people have them. That's important. [Knowing more about the situation will help with dealing with it, right?]
Otherwise, you can help the other injured here.
[ To Ange's credit-- She knew things were going to be dangerous. She knows some people would have told her to stand back, rather than to throw herself straight into said danger, but.. It's not like she could just have sat back and done nothing. Not after Ragna told her that her magic would actually be effective against that thing keeping them all in town.
But the problem is that she doesn't even make it to the beast. Not when there are plenty of people in town who have been transformed in different kinds of monsters - and it seems that Ange has been backed up into a corner by one of them. The girl does look like she's trying to figure a way out, but judging by how complicated her facial expression is in the moment, it's likely she has realized there's not going to be a way out.
.. not unless someone happens to spot the danger in this exact moment and steps in, anyway. ]
But the problem is that she doesn't even make it to the beast. Not when there are plenty of people in town who have been transformed in different kinds of monsters - and it seems that Ange has been backed up into a corner by one of them. The girl does look like she's trying to figure a way out, but judging by how complicated her facial expression is in the moment, it's likely she has realized there's not going to be a way out.
.. not unless someone happens to spot the danger in this exact moment and steps in, anyway. ]
[She screams again, wings flapping wildly as the fire in her mouth forms completely. The girl is standing there with a sad looking face, but she won't be fooled!! Her host fell for it but she won't make the same mistake! If he won't take care of himself, she will!! With another wild shriek, the bird launches the fire from her mouth, aiming it at Kotone even as the figure on the bed finally starts to rouse from his sleep from all the noise Phoenix is making.
A low noise leaves Scott, still unaware of what's going on.]
A low noise leaves Scott, still unaware of what's going on.]
No, Phoenix, don't, he's trying to sleep--
[Quickly, Kotone brings her arms in front of her face, wincing a little at the heat washing over her. It singes her clothes, but doesn't actually hurt, not with Surt in place.]
I'm sorry, I'll go, okay? [she takes a step back, because Phoenix is a part of Scott's will, isn't she? So maybe Scott doesn't want to see her. She wouldn't blame him for needing some time away from her after what happened.]
[Quickly, Kotone brings her arms in front of her face, wincing a little at the heat washing over her. It singes her clothes, but doesn't actually hurt, not with Surt in place.]
I'm sorry, I'll go, okay? [she takes a step back, because Phoenix is a part of Scott's will, isn't she? So maybe Scott doesn't want to see her. She wouldn't blame him for needing some time away from her after what happened.]
[He was ready to try to talk Scott through this. It hurts, seeing him hurt so badly. It's a time like this that he wishes he had a mutant power for healing!
But then Scott asks instead about the efforts outside, and Kurt is frowns as he thinks about that.]
Everyone is - well, doing their best. The mansion got hit, but Morph and Rogue are okay. Things are still kind of a mess out there, so I've been doing a lot of damage control. It does seem like things are starting to calm down now at least.
But then Scott asks instead about the efforts outside, and Kurt is frowns as he thinks about that.]
Everyone is - well, doing their best. The mansion got hit, but Morph and Rogue are okay. Things are still kind of a mess out there, so I've been doing a lot of damage control. It does seem like things are starting to calm down now at least.
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