Trauma Prom

[cihuatlatoani]

[WELP.]

Comments

[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.]

[cihuatlatoani]

I leave it up to you. I will not force you to give up anything you truly treasure.

[thehirohewanted]

What?

You're putting your life on the line, I can't just...I still have to try and make sure you're okay!

[cihuatlatoani]

We have always been revived before long. It is your choice what to give.

However, I understand your feelings. I would wish to do the same.

[thehirohewanted]

It's still...it's DYING. It's not-there's-it won't-

[Shit, he's hyperventilating again and he's gonna lean against a wall, try to get it under control.]

It's my first b-bad game. I don't r-remember what made me so b-brave back home. I don't-can't-

[cihuatlatoani]

I'm so sorry. You should never have been forced into this situation.

However, I believe that you are brave, especially for one so young. You have lasted this long here without succumbing to despair.

[thehirohewanted]

No, no, I was....

[Breathe, BREEEEATHE. Closing his eyes.]

I was a hero back home. Like...I don't know, do you know what a superhero is? [He runs a hand through his hair, shaking.] I saved some kids from a fire. R-regular thing.

I was brave then and I can't....I can't GET like that now.

[cihuatlatoani]

I suppose I get the general idea. However, you are in a vastly different environment, and are missing most of your memories and abilities. You must take that into account.

[thehirohewanted]

...yeah. I guess so.

[He's staring at the floor, his breathing starting to even out.]

Six memories.

Could offer up all the memories I have at home. Be lost and confused again.

[cihuatlatoani]

Are you certain that you want that?

[thehirohewanted]

No, but I don't want you to die.

If I can't get them back, then I'll be smart enough to figure it out by context eventually.

[cihuatlatoani]

I would rather that you choose a sacrifice less dear, but I also understand your sentiments. I cannot stop you, if that is what you choose.

[thehirohewanted]

I figure...

Either I lose the memories I'll be able to figure out even if I can't get them...

Or I gain a memory I'm never gonna forget.

Lesser of two evils there.

[cihuatlatoani]

...Let us proceed, then.

[thehirohewanted]

Right. Just...submit it, right?