Game 013 [Voice/Action] - "Triumphant" Return

[neverplaysfair]

[ The feed cuts in to the sound of coughing, and a very soft ] dammit [ before Joshua speaks into the journal, his voice somewhat hoarse and higher-pitched than usual. ]

Hanekoma, come get me. [ Mostly he just sounds exhausted. ]


[ Josh is sitting against a tree on the edge of the forest, staring at the mountains off in the distance, his journal in his lap. He looks younger... 10, maybe 12 at the oldest. He's covered in burn marks and bruises, and his clothes are completely ruffled and smattered with blood stains, not to mention a bit oversized due to him not being his usual stature. There's blood-stained bandages on his arms, and more hidden beneath his clothes. In other words, he's in bad shape.

Not to mention shivering. It's cold and snowing, and he's not dressed for the weather. ]

Comments

[ action ]

[neverplaysfair]

I didn't want you to see this.

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[soundfrequency]

I just...

[Stops. Not really sure what to say now.]

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[nattocat.livejournal.com]

[ And Sanae slips further towards apologetic, silent. ]

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[neverplaysfair]

Are you happy now?

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[soundfrequency]

No.

[Takes a small step back.]

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[nattocat.livejournal.com]

[ He lets go of Neku's shoulder, but doesn't move from his place by the bed. ]

[ action ]

[neverplaysfair]

[ He gives a frustrated sigh. ]

I'm too tired for this.

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[soundfrequency]

...

[Can't bring himself to look up at Joshua right now. He pauses long enough to give Mr. H an apologetic and slightly sad glance then turns and walks out of the room.]

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[nattocat.livejournal.com]

[ Mr. H watches him go and then looks back to Joshua, caught between the two. ]

Sorry, Josh. I shouldn't've...

[ He starts after Neku, but hesitates by the door. ]

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[neverplaysfair]

... He knew what I was already. [ Josh just doesn't like being seen when he's weak. ]

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[nattocat.livejournal.com]

[ Hanekoma shakes his head, lingering inside the room. ]

I'll lie for you, or something like it. You know when he sees you on your feet again he'll move on.

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[neverplaysfair]

And tell him what? I'm staying in a child's body for kicks?

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[nattocat.livejournal.com]

That the Malnosso caused it, though I bet he'd believe that second one. Pass it off as an attempt to get in my bed and it sounds plausible enough.

[ Slowly, he steps away from the door. He'll let Neku go. ]

[ action ]

[neverplaysfair]

They did cause it. It doesn't explain why I'm still like it. Or... [ His gaze falls to the bandages on his chest. ]

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[nattocat.livejournal.com]

An experiment. Hasn't worn off yet.

[ And Hanekoma makes his way back over to the bed, sits heavily on the edge. ]

As for the rest of it, you got banged up in the struggle.

[ action ]

[neverplaysfair]

[ Joshua hesitates, then there's a heavy sigh. ] Sanae, there was no struggle. Before I realized it, I was out. I have no idea what they did.

[ action ]

[nattocat.livejournal.com]

[ He hesitates, too. That is not what he wanted to hear. ]

... mm. Sorry to hear it.

[ Sanae's turned away from Joshua, getting his shoes off -- and then he stretches, hands linked over his head, and lies down beside Josh. ]

Wish we had more to go on. Knew more about their power levels, their methods. At least you're back now.

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[neverplaysfair]

[ Joshua looks over at him, seems to be contemplating something, and then in a moment it's gone. ]

I couldn't stop them, even awake.

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[nattocat.livejournal.com]

[ There's a pause, and again he's itching to ask just what they did, how they tortured him. Sanae holds his tongue and shakes his head as that inhuman edge returns to him, vibe nudged just a bit higher. ]

They have too many advantages, J. We might never be able to match their power levels, not with these handicaps, but at least we're gettin' more information. Know a little bit of what to expect.

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[neverplaysfair]

And in return, they can take whatever information they want from us.

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[nattocat.livejournal.com]

This is their world, or close enough to it. We'll hafta make our own advantages.

[ And he shifts a little to press up against Joshua, one arm looping around the guy's shoulders. ]

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[neverplaysfair]

[ ... Sanae are you hugging him. ]

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[nattocat.livejournal.com]

[ Nah, he's just got his side pressed against Joshua's and happens to have an arm around his shoulders, that's all. Because maybe if he gets close during the srsbzns talk, he won't be mocked for it. ]

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[neverplaysfair]

You're mocking me again.

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[nattocat.livejournal.com]

Actually? I'm bein' helpful. [ His vibe edges a bit higher, that faint thrum becoming more noticeable. There's a subtle glow to the hand on Josh's shoulder, now, and that steady energy boost is back, though it's fainter this time. Even if he can't do much when it comes to direct healing, he can lend Josh the power to do it himself. ] I can if ya want me to, though.