Trauma Prom

[cihuatlatoani]

[WELP.]

Comments

[thehirohewanted]

[His head snapped up when she spoke. Almost looking confused before the words registered.]

Montage-

[What does he even want to say? One part thinks he should volunteer. He should volunteer because he's a superhero and that's what heroes do, right? He certainly doesn't want to watch Montage die, but the thought of it....the thought of maybe failing, of dying]

[His body shakes and he can't bear to look at her.]

[He's afraid, terrified, he doesn't have that bravery he remembers. That's why it was so weird, because he's not brave or self sacrificing and even for someone he wants to protect, he can't-he can't-]

[He wraps his arms around himself and when he speaks, it's quiet, painful, but he can't get himself to argue.]

Okay.

[cihuatlatoani]

[She can tell that he's taking it hard, but she's privately relieved that he acquiesced so easily. It needs to be this way.

She bends down a bit, and hugs him tightly.]

It will be okay. I've been through situations like this before.

[thehirohewanted]

[He's tense in her arms, stiff...then he leans against her. He doesn't move his arms from himself, but he at least accepts the touch.]

Is there anyone to avoid people dying?

[Because he's not seeing any loopholes.]

[cihuatlatoani]

An offering. If it is deemed suitable, it shall be taken instead.

[thehirohewanted]

But people will still die.

....

Are we...going to do that?

[It's his first game, he doesn't know what she can take. He doesn't know what HE can take.]

[cihuatlatoani]

We have no other alternative. This is not only for the sake of our team, but also our own worlds. Remember that.

[thehirohewanted]

[He nods.]

Yeah. Yeah, I...I guess so.

[One hand moves to grip the edge of her shirt.]

So it...has to be good to win, right?

[cihuatlatoani]

[She pats the top of his head.]

I suspect that is so. Perhaps my clothing and jewelry. Or perhaps I will go further, and give of my own body.

[thehirohewanted]

It is important? The clothing and jewelry?

...is it possible to get the stuff back, eventually?

[cihuatlatoani]

I do not know. I do hope so. It seems to have been the case in the past, but I suspect it will take some time.

[thehirohewanted]

I don't have a lot. Even the hat...I don't even know why it's important.

At least...physical things.

[cihuatlatoani]

Regardless of what you do have, merely offering something still puts you at risk of being killed. I cannot allow that.

[thehirohewanted]

Aren't we both supposed to be offering something?

[cihuatlatoani]

[She thinks for a moment.]

Ah, you are correct. Either, or both of us can.

[thehirohewanted]

So if you're the...

Then I just offer to supplement and up our chances.

[cihuatlatoani]

Yes, if you wish so.

[thehirohewanted]

I do.

Is this...is this a magic thing. Does it just have to be physical, or does anything go as long as it's mine?

[cihuatlatoani]

Hmm, I suppose it could be anything.

[thehirohewanted]

Does open up possibilities. 'cause otherwise, it's limbs and- [And he's not that brave.]

[cihuatlatoani]

Yes. Think about it carefully.

[thehirohewanted]

[He nods. He...he'll have to. He just needs to calm down. He needs to think, what has value, that he can deal with-]

What about you?

[cihuatlatoani]

I think I shall choose my jewelry. They are quite valuable, and have powerful symbolic meaning.

[thehirohewanted]

[Nods.] So something symbolic. Something hard to let go.

[cihuatlatoani]

Our captor did not provide us with many guidelines as to what shall be successful. It is up to you to choose.

[thehirohewanted]

....

[He let's out a shuddering breath, pulling away. He needs to pace. Move. His head is feeling too full and fuzzy and he has to THINK.]

Hat is gonna be too low, too uncertain. Limbs are possible, but first jump into pain...not really sure how good it's even be, would limb even matter when they could have death...

So it's....it's stuff like memories, abilities... [Rubbing at his forehead.]

[It'd be high. It'd be high because the mental matters A LOT to him.]