galratech | (no subject)

(no subject)

[Shiro doesn't remember falling, but it feels a little like he's been dropped off a high building and frankly, given the likelihood that he was teleported here, for whatever reason... he doubts, with his luck, that it was a gentle landing. He deeply considers lying prone for a few more minutes, but the sound of excited voices filter through to his awareness past the pain, talking about a 'beam of light'. Before he can think about how much he hurts, he's rolling into a tense, ready crouch, just in time for several large shapes to break through the foliage. Shiro can only gape at the variety of the figures that fan out to surround him, scales and vines and wings. He hasn't seen such a menagerie gathered in one place since, well... the coliseum.

It's not a comforting comparison.

Weary dread sluices through Shiro's body as they circle him, jeering. He seems weak! and King Darc will know just what to do with this one. and He'll be quite a prize, with this last line, an echo from the past again, ratcheting his pulse up until it feels like his chest will break. Though Shiro knows from their tone it won't do any good, he warns them to back off just once before lunging at the nearest one, hoping surprise will give him enough edge to run.]

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[Outside can only be described as a thriving ruin. This place looks like an open-air, completely blasted open shell of a mall. It's been destroyed, abandoned, reclaimed by nature, repurposed and repopulated. They're on the highest floor, where Darc looks down over the broken "cliff", ropes and ladders linking each floor up and down. Torchlight lights up a storefront here and there where Deimos have claimed their rooms.

Far across the open crevasse, on the ground, is what looks to be a bustling Deimos market. All kinds of different Deimos walk to and fro. Stars can be seen through the sunset up above and the whole place is lush with glowing plants. It's a nice view and a nice sunset.

Darc sits on a mossy rock, crosses his arms and looks up at Shiro expectantly.]

[Shiro is earnestly distracted for a long moment. Really, this is probably the most Earth-like planet he's been on so far and it's just... really, really nice to look at.

He doesn't linger too long, though. Darc has his full attention as he takes times to formulate what to say. This should honestly probably wait until he's sober but he's way too keyed up and... Darc obviously wants to talk. Shiro owes him that.]

The Diezweld... Who are they? Were you their prisoner?

Pfah. No. But they imprisoned many Deimos and humans alike. They were a greedy nation of humans that attempted to rule us all. Now they're dead. What remains of their people has been reclaimed by allies.

[A little nonplussed:]

That's not what your scars are from?

Perhaps a few.

[he frowns.]

Not visible scars. They're the ones who captured Camillia. And they killed one of the greatest Deimos I've ever known.

What was their purpose? What did they want?

Power, what else?

Deimos and humans were fighting over spirit stones. We sourced our magic from it, they sourced their technology. It felt quite a bit like your arm.

Now, there's none left.

Do you think that will become an issue? I don't want to make you more of a target than I have already.

... No. Humans can't detect it without tools, and they've no reason to have them now.

And whatever it is, it isn't remotely enough, or any good to the Deimos if only you can use it. I'm more interested in where it came from.

[Well, that makes him relax... slightly.]

We really don't know much about the Galra. I think they use something called 'Quintessence" but to tell you the truth, I'm not sure if it's magic or science or both.

... [squeezes his birthmark, frowning]

Quintessence... I never imagined there would be another source of magic.

Something to pursue later. You're more worried about making us a target than being a target yourself?

[Hm... Given his markings, the gesture seems significant.]

I am. From what I understand, just the fact that I showed up in your territory wounded could have caused issues, right?

Obviously! But you don't even know us.

That's not really a good reason to get you involved in a war. Voltron and the Paladins—my team—Are supposed to protect peace. For everyone.

[he seems baffled.]

The-- Paladins? Voltron? Never heard of them.

Maybe your ancients had. But that's beside the point. The last thing I want to do is cause problems for your people, King Darc. It sounds like there's been enough suffering on both sounds already.

[BAFFLED!!!]

. . .

Hah... I've learned that there are people like you, who care about peace.

I didn't think I'd ever meet another one.

Fine. I'll believe you. As for your ability to cause problems, don't underestimate us. You're in no position to do anything but recover. You're a refugee here; if anything, caring for you will be to our benefit. I need to get the Deimos here adjusted to human presence.

[After all that, he's getting told to relax... The Deimos are a pretty interesting people.]

I'll do whatever I can to help.

[man wtf!!!!]

... I find it hard to believe you only wanted to ask about Diezweld. They haven't mattered for months.

Edited 2017-01-24 06:30 (UTC)

I wanted to know a little more about what was going on. But to be honest I was more curious about you.

[Darc straightens up, alert. He still sits very casually, so far entirely against the ground or rocks. Nothing very royal, but the intensity of his gaze on Shiro demands respect anyway.

Though he feels like he's reeling. He hasn't met any new humans in a long time. And here is another human who wants peace, who asks after his people's struggles. Who knows nothing of their war, and doesn't look at Darc with disgust, or even fear. Covered in scars, an escaped warrior slave. And curious about him. Darc's heart pounds a bit.]

What do you want to know?

Edited 2017-01-24 07:32 (UTC)

[As Shiro mulls this over it occurs to him that Darc actually seems pretty young in good lighting, voice aside. Who knows how Deimos age, but if Shiro's going by human standards, he'd put him closer to Keith's age. That merits a little more scrutiny, Shiro's gaze sweeping over him thoughtfully.]

How did you come to be King of the Deimos?

[ah. For the first time Darc doesn't scowl. He sneers instead, wry]

What, I don't look like it?

You seem pretty young, [He says honestly.] But your people seem to care about you and believe in you a lot. Seems like there might be a story there.

[Wait, what

??]

I-- I do? They what?