Trauma Prom

[cihuatlatoani]

[WELP.]

Comments

[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.]

[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.