galratech | (no subject)

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[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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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.]

[Blinks.]

I do.

How can I...?

[Darc goes through A SERIES OF AGITATED FACES, one of which is broken open and full of an ache.

He tries to pin down what he was about to say, why suddenly the open, honest face on Shiro - like he's got no idea why Darc expects Shiro to be defensive, cagey, ready for anyone and everyone to entrap him - is causing his guts to twist up.

If Shiro could go through being a slave and still retain such a simple kindness, a logic Darc had believed in once, what did that say about Darc.

He blurts his words before he can stop himself.]

I'm the Deimos king. You're all alone in my kingdom. Even if you're in no danger, you should be more afraid.

[It's because this hasn't been an uncomplicated issue for Shiro that he knows why Darc is asking, and how important his answer is.]

I'm still pretty drugged, [He reminds him, lightly.] I might be more scared under other circumstances. I was definitely afraid when your people first found me. But Darc, ever since I've woken up you've done everything you can to make me not afraid.

!!

I just-- [groans. tears his eyes away.] I'm starting to regret not being drugged myself.

[no!! stares back up at him.] I don't just coddle anyone who wanders into my territory! I couldn't afford to have a human panicking. And a human with the first sign of magic in months-- I thought maybe I could find a way to use you, for the sake of the Deimos. Maybe you were a key.

Then I saw your body. Before you woke up and explained, I thought someone on this planet might have done that to you. And I can't allow anything like that on my planet again. Not for the Deimos, not for anyone.

[Shiro's starting to get the idea that Darc just doesn't want to let on that he cares which is funny due to how bad he is at it, but mostly heartbreaking. Shiro could point out all the contradictions—the fact that he waited until Shiro could give permission for his arm to be looked at and, well, everything else.

Nothing is more important than you.]

I don't think you were planning to use me, if that's how you feel.