hot_mess_express

You enter the door to find yourselves in a wide arena with a stone spire towering in the center. Chained to the spire, connected to each other by their chains, are your hostages. For now they hang rather safely-- if not uncomfortably-- by their wrists. But it is obvious that will not be the case for long.

A moat of lava rests just beneath, circling wide around the spire. Notably you cannot quite tell if it circles all the way around… as high walls cut you off from seeing the other side(s) of the spire.

Resting at the top is the form of a massive beast; a dragon with fire red scales, its long tail curled lazily around the curve of the spire as it observes you and your comrades enter the arena. As the dragon speaks, its voice booms throughout the air.

“There is no doubt to be had of your courage. However, it is not your courage that is to be tested here. The fate of your treasured comrades lies in my claws, and I wish to teach you a lesson. Whether or not you choose to learn it is up to you.

Just remember: You cannot save everyone if you think only of yourself."

The dragon shifts then, the weight of the creature causing the spire to crumble further-- the falling debris disturbing the chains wrapped around the spire, the only thing holding your teammates safely above the molten lava below.

"Now tell me, brave warriors. What will you sacrifice to save another?”

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ the ruby dagger glows ]

So you wish to sacrifice not only your own body, but the bodies of others. Do you think you have so much claim? Then each of you take this dagger and make a cut upon the other. The marks that you make will become a symbol-- a brand that will remain with you from now.

...Right so, who can deal with cutting me?

I can do it. I won't be squeamish.

Thanks.

[ He's going to roll up the sleeve on his left arm -- there's some other scars on it, from what looks like a blade. It kind of looks like he probably got them from fighting? ]

This will do.

Okay. Try not to flinch.

[taking the knife to very delicately cut his arm, trying to keep the mark small.... but, too bad about that burning and branding]

[ He's doing his best by which I mean he's biting on his lower lip and there's the kind of muffled pained noise. But he's okay. Porbably. ]

[finishes the cut quickly, then puts her hands up, holding the knife away. THERE'S SIZZLING??]

I didn't do that, I promise I only cut!

I-I know -- gods, holy shit --

[He's got a brand new eye glyph brand now??]

Ohhhh that looks permannent, I know he said, but that's. Yikes, I'm sorry!

... I guess another scar can't hurt.

Oh, you showed up with a bunch of scars too?

[ He takes the dagger, examining it. ]

Uh, any preference where you want it?

Well, this one.

Uh, I guess it might at least look cool on my shoulder...

Okay, so...hold still and this should be over with quickly.

[ Muscle memory seems to serve him well, because the cut he leaves on Felix's shoulder is careful and precise.

The mark he's gonna get is...well, at least it matches how much it burns? ]

[ He seems pretty cool with it... until Ash gets closer with that knife. Then his heart starts beating like crazy and he feels himself freeze completely, as Ash cuts him, his practically glazing over. All of this confuses the hell out of him and he tries desperately to hide, though he ends up biting his lip until he bleeds... ]

[ ...This was not the reaction he was expecting... ]

Hey, you alright?

[ He's breathing really hard even as he fights to control it ]

Can I, can I have...

[ He holds out a shaky hand for the knife ]

...

[ He holds the knife out for Felix to take. ]

Re: Choice

malignstar - 2019-01-27 04:59 (UTC) - Expand

enduringdawn - 2019-01-27 05:05 (UTC) - Expand

malignstar - 2019-01-27 05:17 (UTC) - Expand

[rolling up her shirt just high enough to expose her upper back, ok let's go]

That doesn't sound too bad.

I can assist. I have already eaten this morning.

That's convenient. Could you do a spot on my back? I sort of want to have this somewhere hidden.

Yes, of course.

[ Pressing a finger to her back. ]

Does around here feel fine?

[thinking, mentally sorting through the cuts of the shirts she has back home...]

Yes, there should be fine.

I will keep it as small as I can.

[ It's a quick, sharp nick, and hey at least the cut will morph into a pretty kind of flower-tattoo. ]

[makes a good show of not flinching, twisting around to try and see over her shoulder]

Is it done? Is it bleeding a lot? I don't really want to stain this shirt...

It- seems to have burned and reformed itself into a shape, like a flower. I do not think it is bleeding anymore.

bowtiedbones - 2019-01-27 04:05 (UTC) - Expand

agoodnoe - 2019-01-27 04:19 (UTC) - Expand

bowtiedbones - 2019-01-27 04:40 (UTC) - Expand

agoodnoe - 2019-01-27 04:47 (UTC) - Expand

bowtiedbones - 2019-01-27 04:48 (UTC) - Expand