(no subject)

[galratech]

[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.]

Comments

[scaledeep]

[Darc huffs, though having Shiro's eyes on him is. Incredibly gratifying. At least it isn't just him]

You're free to explore, too. Just stay inside the ruin by yourself. If you want to go any further, don't leave without me or Camillia.

[galratech]

What will you be doing?

[scaledeep]

Well- normally, I build. And make sure everyone is still working together. It's been peaceful lately, so I have to keep it that way.

[galratech]

[Having a human around probably wouldn't help that...]

What are you building now?

[scaledeep]

[he smiles a bit, wry]

The city.

Which is why I said I had plenty of ways to put you to work. Everything is in progress here. This place was nothing two months ago.

[galratech]

[Wow Darc is so cool //////]

You've done a lot. I'd love to help.

[scaledeep]

You - you would... Very well. That's where we need the most help anyway.

[flusters, and just, blurts]

Tell me, in the stars, are there people like me?

[galratech]

People with scales and horns? Definitely.

[He feels like Darc's trying to get at something else but he doesn't know what so he waits for him to elaborate.]

[scaledeep]

Then it isn't so easy to tell--?

[he laughs, short.]

I'm half human. No one has ever so easily overlooked what I am. It's - - part of why I believe your story. It would be impossible if you were from this planet.

[galratech]

Ah.

[That explains... some things.]

I do know someone like you, another paladin. He's half-human and half Galra, though he didn't know until recently.

[scaledeep]

[Darc's eyes go wide.]

The same Galra who enslaved you.

[galratech]

I... Yeah.

[scaledeep]

So he's working to keep peace instead... How did he not know? Does he look human?

[galratech]

He does, which is kind of weird. The Galra really don't look anything close to humans.

[scaledeep]

Hah... Kharg, the man you're meeting, is my twin brother, but he looks completely human. He leads and represents the human race.

[galratech]

[Whoa...]

That can't be a coincidence.

[scaledeep]

[chuffs]

Conspiracy brought us together, just not as intended. Our situations are completely different. I fought for power from nothing. He's always been royalty, surrounded by people who respect him.

We barely know each other, really.

[galratech]

Do you want to?

[scaledeep]

[Darc's eyes go a bit wide.

He. Pauses. Because giving his usual answer to Shiro seems so meaningless, when Shiro is asking him like he is. but then he has to think about how he wants to answer otherwise. He swallows, then frowns and shrugs himself loosely. He rambles a little, like he keeps having to keep talking to clarify alien words.]

I did once. I thought someone might really know what I went through. --I wanted someone to know how I felt.

He didn't. But thanks to that I learned that I didn't need someone to understand the worst of my life, not to claim the life I wanted for myself, so maybe-- maybe now. Now that he doesn't have to be something impossible, maybe he can be-- enough. [grunts] We've talked.

[galratech]

... That sounds like a pretty good start.

[Shiro shakes his head softly. Awed. Darc is so confident, it makes Shiro feel lost in comparison.]

You're honestly incredible, Darc.

[scaledeep]

[jdflshgh????F?F??]

I-- th, that's exactly what I'm talking about! You just--

[he squeezes his birthmark]

The way you look at me, speak to me, even-- playing around, fucking me. Like it can all be so simple. As it turns out, that-- that's not so bad to feel.

Part of me didn't want to explain, like giving it away would ruin it somehow. But it-- it means so much that it can't possibly be ruined.

So... you can consider your rescue already repaid.

[galratech]

[It's another one of those instances where Darc's honestly not making a lot of sense but Shiro just... gets it, anyway. His chest feels tight. he takes a deep breath.]

... I already feel like I owe you for more than just rescuing me.

[scaledeep]

[Darc blushes and rubs at his scarred neck, flustered.]

You really think I'm incredible?

[galratech]

I do. You've taken every reason you've had to give up and turn away form the world and turned it into strength and compassion. You're really one of the most amazing people I've ever met, Darc.

[scaledeep]

Wh, what about me seems compassionate!