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Entry tags:
MARCH TDM + SETTING UPDATES
BEARING FRUIT (NEW CHARACTERS ONLY)
It starts out as a pleasant dream. You’re in your favorite place, with your favorite people. It’s a moment of idyllic comfort.
The light starts to fade, but only in time to see as the leaves cradling you immediately start to soften and crumble, and with it comes a torrent of dirt. Soft, loamy soil starts to fill the space around you in the dark as you’re buried. Or, rather, you already were. You reach out through the dirt desperately, and your hands finds a root, so you pull while you clutch that precious crystal so close that it almost feels like it sinks into you (in your panic, you don’t notice that it does). You reach out again, and this time, your hand hits open air and plenty of sturdy roots around to grab.
From a seed you’re born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.
And once you’ve clawed your way out of the soft earth and the roots, nearby, you see the soil shift. Another hand comes up to grasp desperately for something, anything, just as you had been.
You wake with a start, cradled by soft, velvety plants, and sticky with a sap that smells faintly of honey and iron. You can see the veins of the leaves that hold you, lit warmly and gently by what looks like a crystal embedded above you. Yet, it’s odd, because that crystal calls to you. When you reach out to touch it, it’s warm. Familiar. Important. You don’t know why, but you know you must hold onto this, because now it feels wrong for it to be suspended in these leaves. So, you pull it out.And then, it goes wrong.
The sky turns dark above, and as you look up, you see the black expanse of space spotted with faraway pinprick lights of stars. Yet, they’re not stars. You’re certain. They’re watching you. A billion eyes all looking down, and they spill forth as if sky itself was a dam holding back those dark waters. You reach back to the people you’re with, but they’re frozen in place. Their eyes are black, reflecting only the expanse of dark eyes.
So you run, even though you know you won’t escape it. You glance back and see it not overtaking, but consuming. The landscape around you is being devoured, and you can see it cracking apart. The world itself is breaking, and it cracks under your feet. You fall, and the billion eyes chase after you until the darkness swallows you whole. There’s agony as if you’re being ripped apart, and then—
You cannot see. You cannot feel. You simply are. Yet even so, impossibly, a woman’s voice speaks gently.
I’m sorry it couldn’t be saved. But, come, it’s time to wake.
The light starts to fade, but only in time to see as the leaves cradling you immediately start to soften and crumble, and with it comes a torrent of dirt. Soft, loamy soil starts to fill the space around you in the dark as you’re buried. Or, rather, you already were. You reach out through the dirt desperately, and your hands finds a root, so you pull while you clutch that precious crystal so close that it almost feels like it sinks into you (in your panic, you don’t notice that it does). You reach out again, and this time, your hand hits open air and plenty of sturdy roots around to grab.
From a seed you’re born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.
And once you’ve clawed your way out of the soft earth and the roots, nearby, you see the soil shift. Another hand comes up to grasp desperately for something, anything, just as you had been.
TWO CITIES, ALIKE IN DIGNITY
With the new Shard-Bearers present or en route, it is Kathova and Cetina that approach the established ones, requesting that they form mentorships with the new souls to assist them with the integration process. To this end, they have both provided a centralized zone in both Highstorm and Springstar for a small, casual meet-and-greet to be held before the new Shard-Bearers are unleashed upon Kenos as a whole.
Additionally, as Springstar and Highstorm are holding their events on different days, it is possible for the knowledge-hungry to participate in both informational sessions -- the tones and opinions held by both cities are doubtless to differ, and some Shard-Bearers who have chosen to harmonize with either faction may even find their way to the opposing faction's session as well.
Tables draped in white-and-gold-trimmed fabrics fare filled with fare typical to Springstar's warmer climate -- fruits and wines, savory smoked meats and roasted vegetables, a series of meze platters and souvlaki skewers have been lain out to encourage forum participants to snack as they speak. The atmosphere is light, ambient with informality and friendliness, though topics will inevitably stray towards philosophic, Springstar's meeting grounds are decorated with handsome chaise lounges and slouching klismos chairs in small, intimate groupings.
However, those who have attended the forum in the past or simply have a sharp eye may notice: food doesn’t flow as freely in a feast-like setting as before. It’s more subdued in presentation and portion because as you may hear, the Blight (see below) is an affliction that’s been affecting the food stores of Springstar and Highstorm both. The Meri are nervous about this and blame it on the Zenites since they had won the Oracle on the Scorching Isles (January's event) and with it, punished the Meridian, even if unintentionally. As such, those who are notable Zenites or who wear their allegiance openly may not be treated as kindly. The military also seems to be more present at the forum. These two things are related, as it turns out, because only a few days after the new Shard-Bearers arrive, an invasion will begin.
There are few places to be seated in the Manor's courtyard, resulting in a milling of bodies as they flow and ebb between smaller gatherings, clustering in small-to-large groups with small platters and shimmering flutes of drink held in their hands.
The mood of Highstorm is subdued as always, but still seems to be pleasant and joyous thanks to claiming the Oracle in the Scorching Isles. The Blight may be affecting the city and causing plants and the like to die, but there’s admittedly not much of it to be seen with Highstorm’s harsh winters. Maybe they’re not hit as badly as Springstar, or maybe they just haven’t noticed yet. Only time will tell. But regardless, notable Meri or those that wear their allegiance more openly will be treated politely, but perhaps with a little condescension. Highstorm is one step closer to winning than Springstar, after all.
Additionally, as Springstar and Highstorm are holding their events on different days, it is possible for the knowledge-hungry to participate in both informational sessions -- the tones and opinions held by both cities are doubtless to differ, and some Shard-Bearers who have chosen to harmonize with either faction may even find their way to the opposing faction's session as well.
SPRINGSTAR, αιώνιος ήλιος
In Springstar, the seat of the Tribune becomes available for such a forum. While a section of the building itself has been reserved for the meeting between fresh faces and experienced Shard-Bearers alike, the hustle and bustle of Heliopolis continues around them -- acolytes still gather their robes and tomes, hurrying from their quarters to lessons. A score of young militants march in step across the yard to the training grounds.Tables draped in white-and-gold-trimmed fabrics fare filled with fare typical to Springstar's warmer climate -- fruits and wines, savory smoked meats and roasted vegetables, a series of meze platters and souvlaki skewers have been lain out to encourage forum participants to snack as they speak. The atmosphere is light, ambient with informality and friendliness, though topics will inevitably stray towards philosophic, Springstar's meeting grounds are decorated with handsome chaise lounges and slouching klismos chairs in small, intimate groupings.
However, those who have attended the forum in the past or simply have a sharp eye may notice: food doesn’t flow as freely in a feast-like setting as before. It’s more subdued in presentation and portion because as you may hear, the Blight (see below) is an affliction that’s been affecting the food stores of Springstar and Highstorm both. The Meri are nervous about this and blame it on the Zenites since they had won the Oracle on the Scorching Isles (January's event) and with it, punished the Meridian, even if unintentionally. As such, those who are notable Zenites or who wear their allegiance openly may not be treated as kindly. The military also seems to be more present at the forum. These two things are related, as it turns out, because only a few days after the new Shard-Bearers arrive, an invasion will begin.
HIGHSTORM, луны-близнецы
Eternally in opposition, Highstorm provides the Manor's courtyard as the setting for their informational meeting. Formality is of utmost importance here, with attending Zenith loyalists and residents dressed in beautiful, albeit austere attire -- they are, after all, standing before Lady Yima's home. A buffet-style luncheon is spread alongside one of the largest reflecting pools, wherein you may gaze and find your memories revealed in retrospect upon the water's surface.There are few places to be seated in the Manor's courtyard, resulting in a milling of bodies as they flow and ebb between smaller gatherings, clustering in small-to-large groups with small platters and shimmering flutes of drink held in their hands.
The mood of Highstorm is subdued as always, but still seems to be pleasant and joyous thanks to claiming the Oracle in the Scorching Isles. The Blight may be affecting the city and causing plants and the like to die, but there’s admittedly not much of it to be seen with Highstorm’s harsh winters. Maybe they’re not hit as badly as Springstar, or maybe they just haven’t noticed yet. Only time will tell. But regardless, notable Meri or those that wear their allegiance more openly will be treated politely, but perhaps with a little condescension. Highstorm is one step closer to winning than Springstar, after all.
para bellum (the occupation of alenroux)
A few days after new Shard-Bearers arrive, the word spreads quickly as the campaign begins: Meridian is invading Alenroux.
To those who have Harmonized with Meridian, they’ll be contacted by Cyrus through Communion 48 hours before the invasion begins. As he explains, Springstar is a city that depends on Alenroux far more than Highstorm (because of its much larger population), and with Alenroux currently under Zenite control, it’s imperative that they make sure that Zenith isn’t able to cut off access and cause a famine for Springstar. Zenith won’t be denied access to Alenroux or its bounty either, he makes that clear. This is just a matter of being proactive in their defense to protect their people. For the Meridian, their goals in supporting this effort are clear:
It takes some time for Yima to learn more about the events herself, but Zenith will also be contacted through Communion. With the air of a disappointed mother, she’ll explain that Meridian’s choice is regrettable since she thought they would be better than this. Yima explains that there’s no need to turn Alenroux into an open warzone and cut off both cities from their breadbasket. Instead, she lays out the following direction to gently break Meridian’s spirit first before turning to open hostilities:
To those who have Harmonized with Meridian, they’ll be contacted by Cyrus through Communion 48 hours before the invasion begins. As he explains, Springstar is a city that depends on Alenroux far more than Highstorm (because of its much larger population), and with Alenroux currently under Zenite control, it’s imperative that they make sure that Zenith isn’t able to cut off access and cause a famine for Springstar. Zenith won’t be denied access to Alenroux or its bounty either, he makes that clear. This is just a matter of being proactive in their defense to protect their people. For the Meridian, their goals in supporting this effort are clear:
- Create secure outposts. Well-built, defensible outposts are needed, so anyone who can assist with building efforts, and quickly are appreciated.
- Defend the outposts and the Meri soldiers at large. Alenroux is still dangerous because of the monsters, and soldiers will be staying overnight. Fighting off monsters is something that will also eventually make Alenroux inhabitable.
- Prevent Zenith interference. Highstorm surely won’t be happy about this, so make sure that the soldiers and the outposts are protected from Zenites just as much as from the monsters that roam the lands.
It takes some time for Yima to learn more about the events herself, but Zenith will also be contacted through Communion. With the air of a disappointed mother, she’ll explain that Meridian’s choice is regrettable since she thought they would be better than this. Yima explains that there’s no need to turn Alenroux into an open warzone and cut off both cities from their breadbasket. Instead, she lays out the following direction to gently break Meridian’s spirit first before turning to open hostilities:
- Collect information. Where are the outposts, how many soldiers are assigned to them, and what are their general movements. Scouting and spying will be valuable. Learning more about the Meri Shard-Bearers’ capabilities while they’re fighting creatures rather than Zenites is also useful.
- Create dissent. The people that work and visit Alenroux regularly have mixed feelings about the occupation unless they’re Meridian loyalists. Making the campaign unpopular with the people can push Meridian back without needing to raise a finger.
- Sabotage. But don’t get caught doing it, at least for now. Whether breaking defenses or leading more powerful monsters to the encampments, it’s best to break morale before needing to fight back openly.
SETTING UPDATES
In both locations, information passes between all in a forum, spread and disseminated among the masses - it's a good opportunity for city residents, faction loyalists and interested new parties to share and share alike. Once the meet-and-greet has concluded, twin missives from both faction leads are read out -- invitations for all present to explore the cities to their heart's content, and warnings about stumbling ill-prepared ( or at all ) into the Below, or worse yet, the Beyond. As Shard-Bearers new and old take in their cities, they'll all see it change throughout the month...
OOC, these are all updates to the setting at large that players both new and old are free to interact with as little or as much as they wish! Feel free to use them as prompts on this post, in your characters on-going lives and arcs, or just let them go "that's none of my business" and ignore it. The world of Kenos is shaped by our playerbase, and these are some of the wider reaching effects of various player plots and actions.
OOC, these are all updates to the setting at large that players both new and old are free to interact with as little or as much as they wish! Feel free to use them as prompts on this post, in your characters on-going lives and arcs, or just let them go "that's none of my business" and ignore it. The world of Kenos is shaped by our playerbase, and these are some of the wider reaching effects of various player plots and actions.
THE BLIGHT
During the events of the Scorching Isles, Shard-Bearers encountered an affliction upon the island and unintentionally brought it back to Highstorm and Springstar with them. Known simply as “the Blight,” this condition steals time from the things it infects. It most frequently infects inanimate objects and will cause them to rot or degrade rapidly (such as a piece of metal rusting within hours) but is able to infect living things as well. Most notably, the Blight is infecting plants and animals in the two cities. Plants both decorative and necessary will wither and die, and small animals grow sick and die seemingly of old age. This has been seen in small amounts throughout the past month OOC but is greatly increased in frequency in March and beyond.FURTHER DETAILS
- Within the NPC populace, there’s a low-grade fear of the Blight intensifying and being able to infect larger animals/the people. There’s no evidence of this yet, but Shard-Bearers that were on the Scorching Isles will know this is possible.
- Some characters will be aware that the rare, blue flowers that grow in the barren portions of World’s End (February’s event location) seem to reduce the effects of the detrimental effects of the Oracle and the Blight. Because of some drops of characters that knew this information, you can assume that characters are able to learn this information if they’re interested enough to dig into it.
- Dr. Julia Melnik of Springstar is openly researching cures for the Blight and will recruit anyone interested to be research assistants to test formulations of cures on afflicted plants/creatures. You can handwave these interactions and use them for prompt(s), if you’d like!
- Finally, if curing the Blight is something your character would specifically be interested in, please note it in your Character Survey so that the Loremasters will be able to help you pursue this organically.
THE OCCUPATION OF ALENROUX
As mentioned above, Meridian has launched a surprise invasion and occupation of Alenroux. Because Meridian was able to successfully keep their efforts a secret throughout the months (!) they’ve been planning this, Zenith will not be able to repel their advances… Immediately, at least. After roughly a week OOC from this log’s posting, the Meridian outposts in Alenroux will be stable and will change the island in the following ways:If Zenith would like to repel these advances, this is a response that will be purely in player hands (but will be assisted by Zenite NPCs, of course!). If they want to reclaim Alenroux, they can, or they can simply let Meridian continue. It’s up to you! This is something that Zenite players should discuss both IC and OOC, and if this plot develops further, Loremasters will help facilitate the ongoing conflict as a part of our changing game environment.FURTHER DETAILS
- Outposts have been established in well-chosen, defensible locations throughout the island of Alenroux. They’re clustered more heavily closer to the Cornerstone and are non-existent in the more dangerous Northern portion of the island where little farming is done anyways.
- Meridian soldiers will be always staying in the camps and outposts. For now, they’re a more supervisory force that are protecting the farmlands of Alenroux. During the day cycle, the military will respond with hostility to anyone that threatens the farms. If your character would antagonize or outright fight Meridian military, please contact a Loremaster, since this will have repercussions! Otherwise, the soldiers will assist workers and visitors to Alenroux in a professional manner.
- During the night cycle, the military will defend their outposts from monsters and make occasional offensive excursions to reduce the threat of monsters. The secondary goal of the Meridian military is also to make Alenroux a place that people can live, though this is a longer term effort.
- Meridian Shard-Bearers will be strongly encouraged to assist with the effort. “Assist” is purposefully defined broadly so that characters can help in whatever way suits them. Scouting, building, monster killing, or just morale improving are all valid ways that will gain favor with their faction and may lead to further opportunity. For now, abstaining will not have consequences, but may in the future.
- Zenith Shard-Bearers will be treated with suspicion in Alenroux and are not allowed to approach any of the Meridian outposts, or at least not without triggering a fight. The military will not outright attack Zenites (unless provoked) and essentially encouraged to move along. However, they may wish to gather information about the outposts and Meridian forces to attempt to push back against the occupation.
- Unharmonized Shard-Bearers are not treated with hostility, but similar to Zeniths will not be allowed to enter any of the encampments.
- If your character has an interest in continuing or stopping the occupation, please note it in your Character Survey so that Loremasters will be able to help you pursue this organically.
SMALLER CHANGES
HIGHSTORM: GREENWOOD YARDS
Considering the affliction that threatens the well-being of flora and small fauna alike, the greenhouses are far more discerning with those who are permitted inside its gates, afraid of the contagion affecting the precious, invaluable greenery of long-dead worlds. After the occupation of Alenroux, Meridian will be outright turned away, and while Zenith possesses no formal military or police, the greenskeepers appear to be prepared to defend their property with physical force should it come to that. Unharmonized are still allowed inside. The rest of the Yard beyond the greenhouses are still open to all factions.
And though it may seem an odd place for such a gathering, the indoor bathhouse at the far end of the Yards appears to be gaining popularity for mysterious reasons; if asked, none of the locals will explain the abrupt uptick in visitation. But should you investigate yourself, the reason why becomes apparent through experience: the tea served by the attendants here has changed properties. Should you be a Zenite, you will be served a cup that decreases your body's natural need for food and drink for 24 hours - an effort to test a concoction to relieve the need to deplete resources and lessen the city's reliance on Alenroux. Should you be a Meridian, the tea you're served will increase your appetite a considerable degree even if you normally do not require sustenance, and you will find yourself unfulfilled even if you are unwise and eat yourself to the point of illness; this lasts for 24 hours. The Unharmonized will find the tea might make them vaguely woozy, and either cause mild increase or decrease in appetite.
KOWLOON: DRAUMAHOL (cw: drugs)
Those that frequent Kowloon may have heard about the sudden disappearance of the former owner and operator of the drug den Draumahol, though it was only really noted because of the business being closed for a few days. Practically unheard of, since the desperate of Highstorm and Springstar come to Draumahol for their various fixes that are a little more taboo on the surface. But, never fear. After a brief closure, Draumahol reopens.
While it may not be obvious early in the month, it'll be increasingly so that Draumahol is under new management. Those that frequent the business enough will be able to figure out that the new owner is Silco (or, if you personally know him, it's fairly obvious). If you would like to plot anything regarding Draumahol, we encourage reaching out to Silco's player, Jill!
SPRINGSTAR: THE CHURCH
After the loss of the first Oracle, the Church of Heliopolis has been busy tending to its flock as the numbers coming to seek comfort swell. The gatherings aren't formal "services" so much as they're chances for people to come together and inspire each other with their homes and dreams of home. One formal process that does stick out though is that with each "service" one member will tap into the world shown in their sunbeam and open their minds to Communion. Anyone that wishes to can also experience this member's home, see their friends, loved ones, and the sights. It's a intimate bonding activity, but seems to be very cathartic for those that partake.
Additionally, those that come by the Church frequently enough to be known faces at the "services" may also be approached by priests and priestesses and invited to join in smaller ceremonies. Always taking place during Springstar's dawn or dusk, these ceremonies have a markedly different vibe and are lead by Hieropoios Natalia herself. Attending these ceremonies is an exclusive honor that will reduce attendees' Discord and has a subtly addictive quality that will encourage them to return. Hm!
OOC NOTES
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kenoslogs.
rambles on
The winding passageways had presented enough of an initial challenge to force him to use those otherworldly eyes of his to extract information on their design, but even focused on his goal of simply navigating them he'd been forced to relive a few unpleasant memories. The stone walls aren't as clean and detailed as those that had made up Orochimaru's newer hideouts, instead better resembling the pits where he'd keep shinobi for experiments and fights. It doesn't endear him to the place more.
Nor do his first encounters with the actual residents, taking on work for Silco out of his own perceived necessity but he doesn't linger longer than is required. Not until today, driven to do the unpleasant work of exploring the districts he hasn't yet visited. Besides... today has brought with it something new. Today he had another young man following him, another shard-bearer, and one who had tried to play off his tailing as lackadaisical but his apparent newness hadn't left Sasuke's mind.
Perhaps it's fateful then that he spots him so soon into his own exploration, a blur of movement as he's dragged into an alleyway that soon rings with the familiar sound of knuckles on flesh. And just like that... he's involved. To walk away would be to discard the last lesson he learned before he was brought to this place, and even if his logical mind might allow it his varied web of occasionally contradictory principles wouldn't.
His steps into the mouth of the alleyway are entirely silent and perhaps that's why the other teen's assailant doesn't react until he's forced to. All at once the attacker is forced away from Stiles with a blast of force that knocks him off-balance and has his feet dragging against the stone below, scrambling to stand fully upright at least two or three yards away. There's no physical evidence of a hit, no wind, nothing tangible at all, just a cloaked figure watching them both impassively before his eye fixes solely on Stiles.
Who the hell are you, huh? ... You two... You're shard-bearers, aren't you?
Sasuke allows the man to draw his own paranoid conclusions about whether this is some kind of hustle or teamwork without comment. His stare remains where it was, right on the teen with the punch-reddened face and the angry eyes. ]
no subject
Stiles sways, disoriented. The man abruptly… Actually, the teen has no idea what just happened. His initial assumption is that the thug was yanked away from him. However, there’s no one visibly present behind the man. Breath held, a knot of pressure in his throat, Stiles starts to search the area with wild confusion. It only takes a second to spot the newcomer, far enough away that his physical interference should have been logistically impossible. Should have been being the key distinction here. It’s worth repeating: Stiles doesn’t believe in coincidences anymore.
The man speaks. But much like Sasuke, Stiles’ wide eyes remain fixed on the other teen. Now that the moment of immediate danger has seemingly passed, the spiteful cocktail of adrenaline that had spiked hot through his veins dwindles. Stiles feels inexplicably as if he were caught in the crossfire of floodlights, pinned where he stands by the brutal weight of his own crimes. Or, in this case, near crime. With a flinch, he rips his hand free of the pocket—fingers grasping only air yet still recalling the shape that had pressed comfortingly against them. In the wake of the assault, of his rage and hate, of his violent intentions, Stiles suffers an intense surge of panic. What the fuck was I thinking?
He tears his guilty gaze away from Sasuke—the boy he followed into the Below, he recognizes dully. The detail should be important, but feels somehow insignificant.]
That’s right. [Stiles is distantly aware that he’s answering his assailant, voice steady even as his hands shake. A metallic tang lingers on his tongue; his nose is bleeding.] You wanna deal with the consequences? Be my guest, pal.
[Honestly, it’s a pathetic excuse for a bluff. Fortunately, Stiles has been expertly bullshitting his way through life since he was a child. There’s a reason his mother nicknamed him “Mischief.” The bluff, regardless of how baseless it might actually be, is delivered with a cold confidence—enough to convince the man that pursuing a battle against the two would be a poor decision. Spitting, the thug skulks down the alley in the opposite direction of Sasuke. Eventually, he disappears from sight.
Stiles glances briefly at the other teen, but finds himself unable to hold that piercing stare. As much as he would love indulging in a private moment to exorcise an oncoming panic attack, the brunet doesn’t have any faith that his supposed savior might allow the vulnerability; for all he knows, the guy only interrupted the fight with ulterior motives. The Californian teen shakes out his hand—the one that had grasped the switchblade—and, after a terse silence, forces himself to break the standoff.]
What happens now?
no subject
His glance downward at Stiles's pocket is pointed but brief. ]
... are you asking if I plan to take his place and kill you?
[ The words are blunt and possess little regard for the other teen's comfort, but that's perhaps part of the point. Does Sasuke believe that the man who assaulted him had done so with the intention of taking his life? Maybe, maybe not, but it'd be wiser to assume the worst when coming into an area like this. ]
No. I'm not interested in that, which means what happens to you next is your choice. If you're smart, you'll leave.
no subject
If I were smart, I wouldn’t have come down here in the first place, [comes the flat response. He makes no attempt to leave.] Are you a Shard-Bearer?
[The thug seemed to buy into that narrative easily enough, though Stiles can see no obvious evidence suggesting the truth of the matter. Carefully, he reaches up and tugs on the drawstrings of his hood, ascertaining it remains snug against his skull; the Shard in his neck shouldn’t be visible.]
no subject
[ You never should have come here. ]
You may have your own means of protecting yourself, but it didn't look that way. Besides, the way that you had to follow me down here makes it clear that you aren't used to spending time in the Below. [ His head tilts as he considers the question, glove equally serving to hide his shard well. Hm. ]
I am, but that's irrelevant. Shouldn't you be focused now on protecting yourself instead of questioning me?
no subject
“You weren’t supposed to do this.”
“You think I had a choice?”
“There’s always a choice.”
Anger, black and fathomless, begins to swell in his breast. Is this kid, this total stranger, going to judge him from some self-righteous throne too?]
Don’t decide what’s relevant to me, [he grits out, teeth still stained red.] What do you know about the gold pins?
no subject
It reads in his face, sure, but more importantly and more recognizably to Sasuke it reads in the tiny flexes of his muscle, in the twitch of his fingers. In the way he draws in breath and holds it in his chest, defensive and on edge. He's been trained to read unconscious body language better than he ever has to read tone or sincerity, and at such a young age that now the lessons are part of his very fabric. Is he angry, like Set had been, that he's been effectively called weak?
His expression remains unchanging even if his gaze wanders, checking behind him at an open street for any other potential threats. It's still, for now. ]
I don't care about that, [ he responds finally, voice distant before he turns back to face him. ] All I've heard are rumors that they offer protection here. If you're smart, you'll find one of your own, and until then you should stay out. [ And at last he angles his body away altogether, turning back to the mouth of that alley to take his first few steps away. ]
no subject
He blinks, slipping out from the tumble of chaotic musings to notice the stranger is…leaving? Stiles waits a moment, allowing Sasuke to take those initial steps uncontested, just to make certain that the boy really does intend to depart. When it becomes clear that’s the case—that the guy isn’t just trying to bait him into hastily requesting a bodyguard service—Stiles startles himself with a dry, incredulous laugh. That’s it? comes the thought, echoed once more. In some ways, it’s actually a pleasant surprise. Seems like the other (alleged) Shard-Bearer didn’t have ulterior motives in helping him before.]
You the kind of person who doesn’t finish what they started? [he calls to Sasuke. There’s an unmistakable challenge to the words, though his tone has lightened from brittle anger to vague curiosity.]
no subject
It's now corrected. And what he hears is a strange laugh for his troubles, something almost more like a scoff. He slows, and then the follow-up question has him again stopping altogether.
He's here for the same reason that Stiles is, to gather information, and he can certainly do that more effectively on his own. He can do it most effectively without someone by his side who requires him to split his attention, but then thinking that way has gotten him into trouble in the past. Teamwork would be an easier concept to entertain if he had any kind of inkling as to the boy's goal here. ]
I finished what I started with you. I put you in danger, I removed you from danger. What else is it you think I need to "finish"? [ His hand rests on his hilt when he glances back, casual, familiar, vaguely non-threatening. ]
no subject
Am I removed from danger?
[That body language may be casual and familiar to Sasuke, yet it comes across as a veiled threat to Stiles—accustomed to being threatened as he is. Brows furrowing, he studies the teen quietly, hoping to discern how much he can get away with. Unfortunately, reading the stranger is no easier than reading a chunk of granite.]
By your logic, you introduced me to the Below. Therefore, it follows that I won’t be out of danger until I’m aboveground again. [He exhales, tucking away the panic and horror and self-hatred from earlier. The time to unbox those feelings will come later, when he’s safe and alone.] Right? Right. Except I’m kind of on a mission. So, you interested in a deal?
[It’s a risk. At the end of the day, Stiles can’t depend on this boy—he doesn’t know if Sasuke’s strength or abilities are actually reliable, or if Sasuke won’t sell him out at first chance. But if he manages to convince the guy to accompany him, it should put less of a target on his own head. In theory, at least.]
no subject
"By my logic," [ he echoes softly, that stare unblinking and just a little too severe for its placid owner. ]
By my logic we're even. I didn't force you to come in here; you chose to make two ridiculous decisions. I paid you back for one.
Tell me what your "deal" is, why you're here, and how that impacts me.
no subject
Kinda premature to call my decisions ridiculous when you don’t know anything about my situation or motivations. [This isn’t the first time he’s needed to justify the choice to travel into the Below. Stiles doesn’t regret coming here.] Guess I’ll fill you in.
[Except the moment drags on, his countenance twisting indecisively.]
Well, first… I don’t trust you, but—thanks. [Though his obvious reluctance to offer gratitude undoubtedly comes off as rude, Stiles can’t help anticipating betrayal the second that he lowers his guard.] For stepping in earlier.
[A better person would clear Sasuke of all imagined “accountability.” Stiles doesn’t have that luxury.]
I’m a new Shard-Bearer, [he begins, lowering his voice to avoid being overheard.] I get that I don’t look like much, but I’ve been around the block enough times to know what’s a good use of my time—and livelihood, for that matter. Now, this shithole is the best kind of place to dig up some of the secrets that they’re hiding from us back up top. I mean, that’s obvious, isn’t it? Maybe it’s even why you’re here to begin with. [Stiles shifts his weight to the other hip, swallowing back the urgent need to pace.] Investigation is what I do best, okay? [His lips part on several following statements—each and every one a mulish defense of his ability. Ultimately useless, all of them. Why would some stranger believe him?] If you agree to, uh, escort me…I’ll let you in on whatever I find out.
[Stiles finally looks away, mouth a sharp line of frustration. Already he suspects Sasuke will refuse. Failure to earn the faith of others—from his dad to Scott to the pack—has soured him.]
Whatever. I’m going either way.
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Defensive, with a guarded expression. Slim, not skinny, and tense with an energy that he seems to be holding back just in standing there. Jumpy, perhaps. Taller than Sasuke himself, though not by enough that he could mark it as significant. Young. Younger than him? That'd be his guess, at least. ]
... your mouth is still bloody. [ The rest of his point doesn't need to be vocalized to be made, not if Stiles is as sharp as his pitch makes him sound. "Spit it out before you say you haven't done anything ridiculous." ]
If we share the same goal and you contribute, I have no reason not to work with you. If you slow me down or don't offer anything meaningful in return for protection, I'll take you back aboveground and leave you there. [ And in this, he is as fair as Uchiha Sasuke can possibly be. And fairer than a good many other residents of Kenos would be. ]
Give me your name and identify the leads you have so far.
no subject
Deal.
[Stiles doesn’t try to shake hands on it. Even if Kenos wasn’t a melting pot of disparate, foreign, and alien cultures, he still wouldn’t.]
To start off, how about we don’t get in the habit of demanding information from me without first offering up your own—as if there’s some unspoken chain of command at play here. [Drifting closer, he squints at Sasuke. Whiskey-warm brown eyes travel slowly from sheathed sword to the careful curtain of hair concealing the left-side of a pale face. They linger there.] You told me about the pins, so I’ll compromise this once. Call me “Stiles.” As for leads…
[Sasuke, with his impressive perception as a trained shinobi, will absolutely be able to pick up on the minute twitch of Stiles’ right hand—as if it had been about to move. Stiles catches himself almost immediately, but the unconscious response may have betrayed him. There’s a pocket-sized journal on his person, pages already crammed full of sharp handwriting. While he could pull it out and go through the notes he’s taken, the teen decides against sharing that much detail so early in a tentative partnership.]
…I have a few, [he admits, cagey.] The issue is…I’ve got no clue if they’re interconnected. Maybe you have more insight there. So, there’s… [and he ticks off a finger,] …the pins. I want to find out who passes them out and follow that hierarchy up to whatever head honcho exists. If what you said is actually true, then they boast enough power that even the whackjobs down here will respect the authority behind the pins. They’ll definitely know something, but meeting with them might cost us a kidney. Think we can find one on the black market?
Next, [a second finger,] “Aetós.” I’ve got almost nothing on this one, except that I’ve heard the name whispered in this dump more than once. Took me a while to figure out why it sounded familiar. You know Greece? Okay, well, it’s a country on Earth. My world. Now, some of the architecture in Springstar looks like it was ripped straight from Greece. So, there’s a basis for a connection already. And that’s important because “Aëtos”—notice the slight difference in pronunciation?—“Aëtos” is a character from Greek mythology. (Greek is like, the people, culture, and language of Greece.) I can tell you more about the myth in a minute, if you want.
Finally, [the third finger,] “World’s End.” From what I’ve been told—[(eavesdropped on)]—Shard-Bearers just visited that place. (Having a hard time adjusting to the date system in Kenos, so I’m not exactly sure when. Did you go?) Anyway, I did some research—[(snooping)]—and it seems like it’s this island that’s been stranded in the Astral Sea for ages, until just recently. Suspicious, right? Coincidentally enough, there’s something on this island that allegedly combats the Blight. (Listen, I didn’t find out what yet. Give me a break. I was juggling about a dozen different leads at once and this is only my third day in this dimension.)
Alright. Your turn. Let’s hear it.
no subject
There's an outspoken chain of command. [ You're welcome. ] My name is Sasuke, and if I'm going to protect you then I need to know you'll default to my orders. I have no intention of telling you to do things that would put you in greater danger, but the opposite. In that respect, I need you to listen to me.
[ Which is a lot for this seemingly terse man to offer up, particularly in the wave of information which Stiles next shares. He stands still, unmoving, uncharacteristically patient through the side tangents and disorganized way in which this young man's insights are presented. Really... it's impressive. Impressive that he's gleaned so much so fast, and seemingly without any additional advantage through natural powers of persuasion or insider connections. He can appreciate that, even through the wordiness.
And he certainly is wordy. ]
I didn't visit that place. "World's End". I've heard about it but only in passing, and I didn't question anyone on it further. That's first of all... Secondly, Aetós– [ He pauses momentarily, now actively questioning his own pronunciation. Don't perceive him. ]
Aetós is a figure who's attracted a lot of attention lately. I believe he's engineering monsters which have been mechanically displaced. There are hordes within Alenroux which appear at night, and I've engaged with them. Beyond that, I'm not certain.
The pins... I don't have more info there either. But that will be the easiest fact to change. If we desire an audience, I can make that happen. If we desire a pin or two, I can make that happen also. [ And it's said with a level of confidence that is honestly believable. Or at least it's believable that he believes it. ]
I came here because I wanted to investigate this area. If you're going to be following me, you'll benefit from the added protection.