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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[Darc gives him a coy little smile.]

Heh. That's my best guess, too.

[Shiro nearly gets a species of whiplash watching that almost sail over his head. He catches it, though. Bites the inside of his cheek to smother a grin, immensely flattered. He gives him another sweep, less assessing, more appreciative.]

And I'd be a slightly less young adult. So not much difference at all. It's incredible, how you keep the Deimos together. I can just barely handle the other Paladins.

[he looks a little surprised. Glances back out towards the market, which is packing up and swapping out for FEAST AND DANCE AND FIGHT PARTY]

Well, it's an... Attempt. Most Deimos cities have their own leaders, who answer to me. This place is meant to be a capitol, where any Deimos without a tribe can live. Deimos more willing to try new ways of life are here.

[he huffs.] I don't really know if it's so incredible yet.

[he looks back up at Shiro]

You're the leader, then? Of your peacekeepers.

It's a start.

[That was nice while it lasted. You're not sounding less incredible, Darc.]

In a sense, yeah. But I'd say I the responsibility gets shared around.

[Darc watches him, trying to digest everything Shiro has told him.]

How many of you are there? An army?

Five paladins, and then there's Pricness Allura and Coran and... Slav. That's the regular crew. ... [A sad, quiet look crosses his features, briefly. Thinking of Ulaz.] But there are a lot who have helped us.

[his eyes widen.]

How many people are up there?

As many as there are stars in the sky, multiplied by a hundred billion or so.

What. How--? I've never seen anything in the sky, not even on Pyron.

Once I reunite with my team, I could probably show you. What's a Pyron? A type of ship?

Y-yes! I mean, no, Pyron is a flying beast, but yes, show me the stars! If this isn't all an absurd story.

It's not, I promise. I'd like to see Pyron some time, too.

[Darc gives him a little, incredulous grin, like you better not be lying! But charmed anyway]

Maybe not when you're high. If your sky story is true. Then you'd be worthy of Pyron.

Though if it isn't at this point, you have guts to make up a story that gets my hopes up.

[This just reminds him that Darc flirted with him, and his grin spreads.]

I couldn't lie about space. I've been studying to fly in it for years.

[that smile is?? Catching?? Darc feels good, despite himself. Despite himself he's drawn in.]

I could never fly so high I passed stars. I can't imagine it.

There's nothing like the sight of your world from space.

What about the—what did you call them, ancients? It sounds like they knew something about the stars.

Yes, but that was eons ago. And I've barely started learning to read.

[He needs to know more about these ancients and their knowledge, but... he's high and he'd rather learn about Darc?? Zarkon's dead. He can ask tomorrow.]

You're a busy guy.

Heh. Deimos have to work twice as hard to thrive half as well on this planet now. I'm not going to fall behind, I'm used to doing things the hard way.

You should let me know if there's anything I can do for you while I'm here.

--You - what?

Wh, what kind of offer is that! Do sky humans owe life debts?

No, nothing like that.

[snorts]

And with a smile like that on your face. Aren't you reckless! Deimos are greedy people.

[laughs.] A smile like what? I don't mind, honestly. You're going out of your way to help me; I should be doing something for you in return.

[Darc lets out a short noise, disarmed.]

Like it's easy! Or like you want to make an offer like that. How can you still--

[he stops short, frowns.]