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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[His own answer is soft, sympathetic.]
Of course you are, you ridiculous girl.
[He holds back a sigh, knowing the next corner they turn will bring the farmhouse where the clinic is stationed into view.]
And around here especially—I think you'd have a hard time stopping anyone from trying.
Of course you are, you ridiculous girl.
[He holds back a sigh, knowing the next corner they turn will bring the farmhouse where the clinic is stationed into view.]
And around here especially—I think you'd have a hard time stopping anyone from trying.
Rest and recover.
[That's paramount; she's not going to be helping anyone by rushing out with those injuries.]
If you think you've learned anything we might use against this, we can let everyone know. There's no shortage of superheroes around here, after all.
[With a faint smile down at her:]
We'll figure this out together.
[That's paramount; she's not going to be helping anyone by rushing out with those injuries.]
If you think you've learned anything we might use against this, we can let everyone know. There's no shortage of superheroes around here, after all.
[With a faint smile down at her:]
We'll figure this out together.
[Her eyebrows furrow. Did she learn anything...?]
... It stole my Seeds... so it might use those.
[Figuring things out together... That means she has to offer everything she can.
... Or maybe it's just easier for her to focus on one small narrow goal at a time.]
... It stole my Seeds... so it might use those.
[Figuring things out together... That means she has to offer everything she can.
... Or maybe it's just easier for her to focus on one small narrow goal at a time.]
Edited 2025-03-12 22:29 (UTC)
[His smile fades as he considers. He doesn't need to be told they're no ordinary seeds...]
What do they do, normally?
What do they do, normally?
Crap.
[Shaw mutters, beelining for the broken body lying on the forest floor. It's pure chance that she's out here, she's largely been sticking to the more populated areas in both her offensive and defensive efforts, and this is her first concerted attempt at a perimeter sweep.]
Hey. Can you hear me?
[She doesn't wait for an answer. After checking to verify that Fauna's neck and spine aren't broken, she scoops her up in her arms.]
[Shaw mutters, beelining for the broken body lying on the forest floor. It's pure chance that she's out here, she's largely been sticking to the more populated areas in both her offensive and defensive efforts, and this is her first concerted attempt at a perimeter sweep.]
Hey. Can you hear me?
[She doesn't wait for an answer. After checking to verify that Fauna's neck and spine aren't broken, she scoops her up in her arms.]
[That draws a deeper frown to his face. Wishes. A theme that had already come up early that month...
Is Fauna really that predictable to this simulation, or...?]
I see. [The doors of the clinic are in sight, not an unfamiliar location to him. He knows the people there well enough by now, at least enough to not wonder where to go or who to ask for.] That seems worth telling everyone, but later. First we're going to get you the medical attention you need. Alright?
Is Fauna really that predictable to this simulation, or...?]
I see. [The doors of the clinic are in sight, not an unfamiliar location to him. He knows the people there well enough by now, at least enough to not wonder where to go or who to ask for.] That seems worth telling everyone, but later. First we're going to get you the medical attention you need. Alright?
Nn...
[Fauna's stirring a bit, but she's... well, she very clearly lost whatever fight she just had. She doesn't seem to have any broken bones, but she's definitely losing a lot of blood, and it seems like she took some nasty hits to the torso specifically. Nothing broken, but maybe some cracks. She definitely is not in a good way.
That said, moving her is definitely the right call. She's limp, and she's going to need someone to stop the bleeding.]
[Fauna's stirring a bit, but she's... well, she very clearly lost whatever fight she just had. She doesn't seem to have any broken bones, but she's definitely losing a lot of blood, and it seems like she took some nasty hits to the torso specifically. Nothing broken, but maybe some cracks. She definitely is not in a good way.
That said, moving her is definitely the right call. She's limp, and she's going to need someone to stop the bleeding.]
[This sentiment seems... familiar.
...Right. Fandaniel had said something similar, about his death being "a statement about the vulgarity of existence itself." From him it had been expected, but from Altius... What has he been holding back all this time?]
< And you don't feel that suffering is taking us anywhere that's worth fighting through it. >
...Right. Fandaniel had said something similar, about his death being "a statement about the vulgarity of existence itself." From him it had been expected, but from Altius... What has he been holding back all this time?]
< And you don't feel that suffering is taking us anywhere that's worth fighting through it. >
No.
[His answer is simple but steady, some of his energy disappearing once more as his shoulders sink.]
How could I? There are no guarantees. No promises of a better future that can be trusted. We fight, and we fight... and then we leave our children a never ending battle.
[His answer is simple but steady, some of his energy disappearing once more as his shoulders sink.]
How could I? There are no guarantees. No promises of a better future that can be trusted. We fight, and we fight... and then we leave our children a never ending battle.
I know they must.
[It's said with a soothing tone, his expression softening. For the briefest of moments he considers a touch of his own magic—but no. He's to the doors now, and it's not needed. He pushes through them with a shoulder.]
The healers here are going to take care of you.
[It's said with a soothing tone, his expression softening. For the briefest of moments he considers a touch of his own magic—but no. He's to the doors now, and it's not needed. He pushes through them with a shoulder.]
The healers here are going to take care of you.
i. network – un: spartan
[ The voice coming through the network is incensed from second one, and it sounds like the person on the other side is already active in some kind of preparations by the sound of creaking wood, of the manageably exerted breaths between something scraping against the ground. ]
I'm sure everyone is already aware by now of the giant fucking dragon heads encircling the town. We need to act and we need to act fast. Priority number one is making sure anyone who isn't able to fight is out of harm's way. Defense squad volunteers, I'm counting on you. Make sweeps around the perimeter and stop anyone from playing hero. The only way we're going to take this thing out is if we organize and work together.
I can't believe I'm saying this but listen to Ragna's message. He knows this monster better than anybody else. While he's working on weakening it, we need to pool our resources. Don't go wandering out there alone. Everybody gather at the clinic, or the inn [ or honestly, wherever, so long as it's a viable space that a big enough group can agree on. You get the idea! ] – we can barricade the outside. Bring weapons, medical supplies, whatever you're willing to donate. We need people who can use magic urgently. The creature is unaffected by regular gunfire!
I am building up the inn's defenses as we speak, so if you can help, get down here! And if you need help, ask for it! I don't want to hear about any more disappearances! We're going to make it through this!
ii. preparations
[ As promised, Miller can be found at the inn boarding up windows and doors. He'd quickly abandoned his own dwelling in favor of trying to defend the location with the most foot traffic, and whether he receives help throughout the process or not, is not dissuaded from his task by anything short of ushering anyone looking for safety inside. Scratch that. Short of that or catching sight of anyone on the move. He'll call out to anyone who fits that description. ]
Hold it right there! What is your status?
iii. intel
[ Some time later, when the barricades are in already in place, some of the previous determination is faltering in the down time of both scoping out distant points of interest on the inn's roof and checking the network for updates. He'll ask others in the vicinity what they've heard and should he feel the person receiving it has a decent chance of receptivity, he may even ask... ]
How about it? Anyone you know who still hasn't been accounted for?
iv. wildcard
( ooc: hmu on plotting if you want a closed starter or to hash out anything else! Open to anything. Due to non-magical limitations, Miller will be focusing more on protecting noncombatants/injured rather than personally fighting the Black Beast, but he will definitely be found close by during the actual battle as well and doing what he can to help. He will also be in and out of Willow Clinic, checking up on people there/bringing supplies. )
[ The voice coming through the network is incensed from second one, and it sounds like the person on the other side is already active in some kind of preparations by the sound of creaking wood, of the manageably exerted breaths between something scraping against the ground. ]
I'm sure everyone is already aware by now of the giant fucking dragon heads encircling the town. We need to act and we need to act fast. Priority number one is making sure anyone who isn't able to fight is out of harm's way. Defense squad volunteers, I'm counting on you. Make sweeps around the perimeter and stop anyone from playing hero. The only way we're going to take this thing out is if we organize and work together.
I can't believe I'm saying this but listen to Ragna's message. He knows this monster better than anybody else. While he's working on weakening it, we need to pool our resources. Don't go wandering out there alone. Everybody gather at the clinic, or the inn [ or honestly, wherever, so long as it's a viable space that a big enough group can agree on. You get the idea! ] – we can barricade the outside. Bring weapons, medical supplies, whatever you're willing to donate. We need people who can use magic urgently. The creature is unaffected by regular gunfire!
I am building up the inn's defenses as we speak, so if you can help, get down here! And if you need help, ask for it! I don't want to hear about any more disappearances! We're going to make it through this!
ii. preparations
[ As promised, Miller can be found at the inn boarding up windows and doors. He'd quickly abandoned his own dwelling in favor of trying to defend the location with the most foot traffic, and whether he receives help throughout the process or not, is not dissuaded from his task by anything short of ushering anyone looking for safety inside. Scratch that. Short of that or catching sight of anyone on the move. He'll call out to anyone who fits that description. ]
Hold it right there! What is your status?
iii. intel
[ Some time later, when the barricades are in already in place, some of the previous determination is faltering in the down time of both scoping out distant points of interest on the inn's roof and checking the network for updates. He'll ask others in the vicinity what they've heard and should he feel the person receiving it has a decent chance of receptivity, he may even ask... ]
How about it? Anyone you know who still hasn't been accounted for?
iv. wildcard
( ooc: hmu on plotting if you want a closed starter or to hash out anything else! Open to anything. Due to non-magical limitations, Miller will be focusing more on protecting noncombatants/injured rather than personally fighting the Black Beast, but he will definitely be found close by during the actual battle as well and doing what he can to help. He will also be in and out of Willow Clinic, checking up on people there/bringing supplies. )
[ Seeing this message is convenient as it saved him the trouble of having to track this man down. Miller wastes little time in reaching out. ]
You are Altius, are you not? I'm Miller. I was informed by Richard that you are prepared to help with managing the patrol he is trying to organize. Sorry for the informal meeting, but if there were ever a need for a defense squad in this city, now is that time. I am in the process of fortifying the inn as a safe zone and I am ready and willing to begin transporting supplies to whatever location needs them most. We need to get volunteers with boots on the ground ASAP.
How can I best collaborate with you on this?
You are Altius, are you not? I'm Miller. I was informed by Richard that you are prepared to help with managing the patrol he is trying to organize. Sorry for the informal meeting, but if there were ever a need for a defense squad in this city, now is that time. I am in the process of fortifying the inn as a safe zone and I am ready and willing to begin transporting supplies to whatever location needs them most. We need to get volunteers with boots on the ground ASAP.
How can I best collaborate with you on this?
Colonel, it's good to hear from you. I'm preparing to do the same for the clinic, as I'm sure we'll have need of the equipment here.
[And there's already a casualty in the form of Fauna. Moving her would be possible, but he doesn't think that's the best way of handling this. Speaking of moving things—his newest venture with the post office has given him the opportunity to really understand certain aspects of Aldrip.]
I've devised a few potential evacuation and delivery routes throughout the city in the past months, so I'll send any relevant ones your way. If anyone answers my offer I can direct them to the inn first, or wherever you think would be beneficial.
[It's good to have a man so willing to step up. As much as Altius likes to make sure things get done through his own power, that's not the sort of thing he can do here and now.]
I'll be gathering as much information as I can from relative safety. [He won't stay in the clinic the entire time—he doesn't know if he could stand to sit still, even if he truly let go of the caring, responsible facade.]
[And there's already a casualty in the form of Fauna. Moving her would be possible, but he doesn't think that's the best way of handling this. Speaking of moving things—his newest venture with the post office has given him the opportunity to really understand certain aspects of Aldrip.]
I've devised a few potential evacuation and delivery routes throughout the city in the past months, so I'll send any relevant ones your way. If anyone answers my offer I can direct them to the inn first, or wherever you think would be beneficial.
[It's good to have a man so willing to step up. As much as Altius likes to make sure things get done through his own power, that's not the sort of thing he can do here and now.]
I'll be gathering as much information as I can from relative safety. [He won't stay in the clinic the entire time—he doesn't know if he could stand to sit still, even if he truly let go of the caring, responsible facade.]
[she wasn't going to stop when he shouts out to her, there's a large part of her to simply ignore his question and to continue to do what her plan of action is. but she needs to be professional, she needs to be serious. this isn't the time to let what happened in the tunnel between them fog any judgement calls.
... except when she does answer, her emeralds narrow tight towards his direction — readjusting her jacket and her gloves.]
I'm peachy keen.
[her tone is sharp enough to slice sentences in half in one big swoop, and she simply turns her back to him to thumb her locks away, then proceeding to move more further from the inn.]
... except when she does answer, her emeralds narrow tight towards his direction — readjusting her jacket and her gloves.]
I'm peachy keen.
[her tone is sharp enough to slice sentences in half in one big swoop, and she simply turns her back to him to thumb her locks away, then proceeding to move more further from the inn.]
I just need to know where the supplies and where they're going, and I'll be on it! And don't worry about paying me, this will be on me!
[At one point, Kurt will teleport right in with his arms full of chips, cookies and other assorted snacks that he sets down at his bedside.]
Yo! [He tries to give a cheery greeting as he looks him over.]
...How are you holding up?
Yo! [He tries to give a cheery greeting as he looks him over.]
...How are you holding up?
Thank you, Mr. Wagner. I'm not going to let you get out of a proper reward, but that's an argument we can have later.
[It's much easier to work with those he already knows, and who already know him and his business; he doesn't have to worry quite as much about directions.]
To start, you'll find a crate of nonperishable food in my warehouse, second row from the back. Can you bring one of the cases inside to Willow Clinic, please?
[While he hasn't had the chance to build up as large a stockpile of things as he might like, it's something. He'll be meeting Kurt there, not yet having a reason to leave when things are still so uncertain.]
[It's much easier to work with those he already knows, and who already know him and his business; he doesn't have to worry quite as much about directions.]
To start, you'll find a crate of nonperishable food in my warehouse, second row from the back. Can you bring one of the cases inside to Willow Clinic, please?
[While he hasn't had the chance to build up as large a stockpile of things as he might like, it's something. He'll be meeting Kurt there, not yet having a reason to leave when things are still so uncertain.]
mind reading
[ Something has changed within him.
Claude isn't sure what it is, other than the prevailing sensation of oddness. His head hurts more lately, and he feels himself becoming hot and clammy in equal measures, a ringing in his ears, a sharp sensitivity to his skin as even his softest fabrics feel stifling when dragged across it. Worst of all is the ringing in his head, the way that everything seems bright and loud.
He's getting sick, he decides, despite what he considers to be an absolutely stellar immune system. Determined to nonetheless go about his business, Claude sets to his daily routine if not only to stock up on goods before he has to sequester himself inside with a terrible cold, busying himself in the apothecary, dropping things off at the clinic, or otherwise found around town, hands busy, attention split.
Perhaps if his attention wasn't so split, he'd realize that while he's hearing the buzz of chatter no matter where he goes, people's lips aren't moving -- perhaps next, back turned, he'll respond to a thought you absolutely didn't utter aloud. What's on your mind, champ? ]
draconic
[ It happens slowly, at first. So slowly that Claude can remain in denial for just a little longer, rubbing salve on what he believes is a nasty rash on the inside of his wrist until he checks again, and feels a dreadful fear settle over him when instead of skin, he sees a small patch of black scales. He has not thought of Demonic Beasts in a long time, truly, but you never forget the true bone-deep terror of them. Not from fighting them on the battlefield, which is frightful enough, but from watching the transformation happen before his very eyes -- men corrupted and twisted, screaming in fear and agony as their entire being is subsumed by something else, mindless and deadly and utterly petrifying. It only spreads from there, the odd patch of scales here, a flash of a yellow eye glancing at him in the mirror before it seems to disappear entirely, an incisor that's just slightly too long for comfort.
Perhaps you find him in one of his usual haunts, and manage to catch him in the act of hiding it: glancing beneath his sleeve, only to try to hurriedly tug his glove back on before anyone can notice, smoothly covering whatever emotions he may be combatting.
Or perhaps you're there when he first discovers it, in the middle of the street as he idly scratches at his wrist, then grows to discover he cannot feel his thumbnail against his skin. He's so overcome by emotion then that he has to flee attention entirely and ducks into an alley, eyes wide and hand slapped across his mouth as ice-cold fear seems to wrap its tendrils around his lungs. Ten breaths, he tells himself. Ten breaths of panic is all he can afford himself before he needs to act.
One... two... three... ]
[ OOC: I will be doing more custom to-levels for anyone who would like them! For context, Claude will be gaining powers of mind-reading and will be taking on draconic traits over time. Hit me with a wildcard, or contact me via PM, Discord, or on plurk if you'd like me to set one up for you! ]
[ Something has changed within him.
Claude isn't sure what it is, other than the prevailing sensation of oddness. His head hurts more lately, and he feels himself becoming hot and clammy in equal measures, a ringing in his ears, a sharp sensitivity to his skin as even his softest fabrics feel stifling when dragged across it. Worst of all is the ringing in his head, the way that everything seems bright and loud.
He's getting sick, he decides, despite what he considers to be an absolutely stellar immune system. Determined to nonetheless go about his business, Claude sets to his daily routine if not only to stock up on goods before he has to sequester himself inside with a terrible cold, busying himself in the apothecary, dropping things off at the clinic, or otherwise found around town, hands busy, attention split.
Perhaps if his attention wasn't so split, he'd realize that while he's hearing the buzz of chatter no matter where he goes, people's lips aren't moving -- perhaps next, back turned, he'll respond to a thought you absolutely didn't utter aloud. What's on your mind, champ? ]
draconic
[ It happens slowly, at first. So slowly that Claude can remain in denial for just a little longer, rubbing salve on what he believes is a nasty rash on the inside of his wrist until he checks again, and feels a dreadful fear settle over him when instead of skin, he sees a small patch of black scales. He has not thought of Demonic Beasts in a long time, truly, but you never forget the true bone-deep terror of them. Not from fighting them on the battlefield, which is frightful enough, but from watching the transformation happen before his very eyes -- men corrupted and twisted, screaming in fear and agony as their entire being is subsumed by something else, mindless and deadly and utterly petrifying. It only spreads from there, the odd patch of scales here, a flash of a yellow eye glancing at him in the mirror before it seems to disappear entirely, an incisor that's just slightly too long for comfort.
Perhaps you find him in one of his usual haunts, and manage to catch him in the act of hiding it: glancing beneath his sleeve, only to try to hurriedly tug his glove back on before anyone can notice, smoothly covering whatever emotions he may be combatting.
Or perhaps you're there when he first discovers it, in the middle of the street as he idly scratches at his wrist, then grows to discover he cannot feel his thumbnail against his skin. He's so overcome by emotion then that he has to flee attention entirely and ducks into an alley, eyes wide and hand slapped across his mouth as ice-cold fear seems to wrap its tendrils around his lungs. Ten breaths, he tells himself. Ten breaths of panic is all he can afford himself before he needs to act.
One... two... three... ]
[ OOC: I will be doing more custom to-levels for anyone who would like them! For context, Claude will be gaining powers of mind-reading and will be taking on draconic traits over time. Hit me with a wildcard, or contact me via PM, Discord, or on plurk if you'd like me to set one up for you! ]
[He's not wrong.
Life is a constant struggle, crawling through the dirt and blood on one's hands and knees, marching onward to a light that shines in the distance. Sometimes that light begins to dim, and sometimes it's all one can hope to see it appear to them at all.]
< No, there aren't any guarantees. But why do you think I'd want nothingness over that battle? >
[A flurry of ticks approximate a sigh as their shoulders drop. Their fingers curl tighter around the fabric of their shirt. Questions desperate for answers ("Why take from me?" "Don't you already know how little I have?") buzz about in their head but remain where they are.
Now's not the time to ask.]
< ...I want to understand. What is it that you're looking for, Altius? >
Life is a constant struggle, crawling through the dirt and blood on one's hands and knees, marching onward to a light that shines in the distance. Sometimes that light begins to dim, and sometimes it's all one can hope to see it appear to them at all.]
< No, there aren't any guarantees. But why do you think I'd want nothingness over that battle? >
[A flurry of ticks approximate a sigh as their shoulders drop. Their fingers curl tighter around the fabric of their shirt. Questions desperate for answers ("Why take from me?" "Don't you already know how little I have?") buzz about in their head but remain where they are.
Now's not the time to ask.]
< ...I want to understand. What is it that you're looking for, Altius? >
[kakashi has done his part fighting against the black beast, though if his injuries are anything to go by he got a little sloppy - or rather, he went against recommendations and got close enough to try to engage with his sword. mistakes were made.
according to the bandages he's sporting, one could assume he took a pretty big hit across one shoulder that extended to cross his entire torso. more scars, more stories.
this is the first time he's woken up since being transported to the clinic - he didn't even realize scott was in the bed next to him until the other man spoke. he just has an overwhelming dislike of hospitals, and wanted to escape ASAP. still, he pauses with just his legs thrown over the side of the bed, propping himself up with his arms. his legs dangle and it makes him look even younger than usual.]
They can't bitch if I'm not here, right?
according to the bandages he's sporting, one could assume he took a pretty big hit across one shoulder that extended to cross his entire torso. more scars, more stories.
this is the first time he's woken up since being transported to the clinic - he didn't even realize scott was in the bed next to him until the other man spoke. he just has an overwhelming dislike of hospitals, and wanted to escape ASAP. still, he pauses with just his legs thrown over the side of the bed, propping himself up with his arms. his legs dangle and it makes him look even younger than usual.]
They can't bitch if I'm not here, right?
[czeslaw has been serving as an extra set of hands around the clinic - it seemed wise to get himself somewhere "safe" and stay there, and the tasks around the clinic aren't that bad. fold linens, organize supplies, and make deliveries.
such as the tray he's delivering to scott's bedside now. it's a simple meal - bowl of soup and a glass of water - but it does smell good. seeing that scott appears to be sleeping, and wary of the bird, czeslaw approaches the bedside with caution and without speaking. he carefully slides the tray onto the table beside scott's bed, eyeing the bird all the while. he'll sneak away now...unless scott stops him, of course.]
such as the tray he's delivering to scott's bedside now. it's a simple meal - bowl of soup and a glass of water - but it does smell good. seeing that scott appears to be sleeping, and wary of the bird, czeslaw approaches the bedside with caution and without speaking. he carefully slides the tray onto the table beside scott's bed, eyeing the bird all the while. he'll sneak away now...unless scott stops him, of course.]
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