boxofkururu | (no subject)

[She's come in with great trepidation- if Cid's come back like that, what in the hells is going on…? But better someone finds out and it's not as though K'pandolu's going to contribute much outside beyond worrying and working everyone else up.

She's immediately at attention when she hears the groan, walking a little more carefully. But- that sounds a little familiar, maybe- and she stops short when she spots the man, tail flicking quickly.]

Nero?

[…what's he done to himself now.]

[ At first, he doesn't reply - no, Nero is still in the shadows, though his head and arms are visible.

And then, he drags himself out a little... and it was clear something was wrong. His waist - and below - seemed to be... changed. Still draped in shadow, it simply looked like a form of a beast. From the top of his back, mechanical wings jutted out - but where his legs should be, it almost looked like... Ultima Weapon was there, fused onto him in smaller scale.

But those clawed legs seemed to be awkwardly under him, like a loafing cat. And around where his skin fused to metal, there were still slight cuts and writing left behind, nearly rubbed out by a frustrated Garlean.

Nero doesn't speak. He simply glares, with eyes seeming brighter then ever before. He didn't risk open his mouth - his teeth had been shifted by this, as well. ]

[Well, that's-

Probably not better than what she'd thought there might be, really. She flattens her ears, suppressing a hiss, and moves forward to take hold of his shoulder.]

Come on, let's- try and get you balanced- [oh, Twelve, this'll be a trial. Obviously he's still in control of himself, at least…] What happened?

[ As he's grabbed... he tries to lift himself, barely able to keep himself stable - he was clearly in control of these extra limbs, but at the same time...

Nero couldn't seem to walk by himself, still moving as if he only had two legs - and his new claws digging into the stone ground. His tail planted on the tail, he looked to her - to that damned cat. ]

Where's Cid.

[ His voice was barely his own, more of a growl. Cid had been helping him - for once - and he stopped coming by. After a moment, he speaks a little quieter. ]

...I went back to the Praetorium. Looking for wreckage.

[Still better than no control at all. She stays close by, frowning- all the better to try and keep him stable, if need be.

…of course Cid would have been looking after Nero. It makes sense now- the supplies, to to-and-fro-ing…]

With Y'shtola and Urianger- they've set a room up. I don't know how much they've found yet, though.

[It's not much like anything they've seen before- and she's not sure there's much good news to be had, in any case. Best not to say that, she reckons. It'll be bad enough when they get out.]

And found some, I take it. I didn't… I hadn't thought there'd be anything to find. [she tilts her head, eyebrows raised.]

...Not just some. It smelled of-- like that man who helped me repair her. He was there. Told me Ultima could be made stronger then what I seek.

[ He'd run into Lahabrea. That explains a lot. But as he's finally standing, he lets out a little groan and laugh to himself. And... he does lean towards her a little, so that he could push a little of his weight on somebody. Even if he shouldn't rely on others, he was too sedated to complain. (Yes, Cid had been sedating him as well a little. At his request.)

Not that Nero would admit that. No, he's only slightly wobbly on his feet because he hasn't eaten. As he stands, he is still so tall, glaring down as only a Garlean can. His eyes seem to glow with the same power as Ultima Weapon seemed to pulsate with before. ]

--that damn Garlond looked weak last time I saw him. And he wouldn't rest.

That man- Lahabrea?

[she does growl now, tail flicking rapidly. Not as though she can do anything about him now- but gods, would it feel good to land a punch in Lahabrea's stupid face.

She grunts as Nero leans his weight on her, but takes him without more complaint.]

… Twelve. Of course he didn't- stupid reckless idiots who can't look after themselves before passing out trying to take care of everyone else- small wonder he's a mess. […she says as though she wouldn't.] What about you?

...That man never gave me his name. But that sounds-- right. He didn't wait for my reply - there was some damned magic and I woke up with Cid there.

[ He admits, trembling - walking so very slowly so he didn't slip, his claw-like feet feeling so heavy as he moved. ]

He's such an idiot. He should have left me. [ He says - trying to not let his self-loathing slip in too much. A thought crossed his mind, however. ]

...Are we just going to leave here? Into that hamlet of anti-Garlean adventurers? Those who've heard that damned ballard from that Minstrel?

[she rumbles again, displeased.] Of course. Why would he ever think to answer questions, or ask permission?

[she shakes her head, tail flicking around him for a brief moment.]

It wouldn't be like him to do that, though.

[…ah. She stops, expression turning alarmed- yes, that hadn't really crossed her mind.]

You- heard that, too? [not that important, but. huh.] Well- I can't leave you here either, but… you have a point… [she goes quiet, tail twitching, thinking.] We can't just throw something over the back legs… [she frowns, biting her lip.] Do glamours work on you?

Let me guess - he's unkillable? Else I don't know why you speak about him in the present tense.

Garlond's far too good and pure. Don't know what he's playing at. [ He snarks. ]

Tsk. Who couldn't hear that crowing? [ He does not have a high opinion of him. Or many people. But after all of this, he's been hearing more. Wanting to scream more, as more power flows though him. Is this... is this what it means to be Ultima Weapon? Trying to clear his head, he digs his claws into the ground so easily, looking to K'pandolu with a grumpy look. ]

Glamours don't. Even before this - my aether nullifies them. [ Or, his lack of connection to it. ] It was one of the first things he tried. [ It must have sounded odd to the Scions, Cid asking them for materials on glamours. Or, more likely, he asked that Sylph lady, Sasaxia. ]

It's something we're looking into, though.

[she snorts, shaking her head.] I wonder. I think he's like to end up in stained glass, either way.

He's got quite the voice, to be sure. [she finds it… kind of embarrassing, really.

Maybe that is what being the Weapon's like- she wouldn't have any idea, though. There's probably not too many mortal accounts of that, in any case.]

Damn. [she grimaces, clenching her other fist. She doesn't quite understand what makes Garleans so different in this respect, but it's irritating as all get out- especially when it interferes like this.] Of course he thought of that… It'd have to be an old-fashioned disguise, then, but that'll still look strange… I suppose- did you want to go out? [really, she should… probably have asked before… but it seemed the most obvious thing to want.]

...You know. [ He says, rather casually, ] that sounds interesting to me. Killing those bastards. As long as I've got the technology of an Eikon-slaying device, might as well see if it works.

[ It takes quite a bit to make Nero interested, so... well, who knows if the Scions want help? Especially since Ultima Weapon takes traits and powers from other creatures. ] But... I'd rather stay. Enough creatures have already seen me as such an abomination. Where were you going to take me?

Oh? [K'pandolu straightens a little, adjusting her grip on Nero accordingly. She hums, tail waving behind her.] Well- as long as I can punch Lahabrea in the face first, I don't mind.

[…besides. She's curious, herself, even if the others aren't as likely to think it's a good idea.]

Alright, then. Should I bring something, instead? Food, water… A shirt? [she shuffles a bit, scruffing one foot against the floor.] Well- to the others- to see Cid.

I know how well you punch, hero. Like hells I'd hold you back from that.[ He says, laughing a little - letting the wings on his back flare up a little. He adds, with a slight frown, ] I haven't eaten in days. I'd even eat the gruel that was called food.

I doubt a shirt can fit me, though. Unless it was backless.

[ But then, he snarled a little, his eyes flickering again. Something between him and Cid...? ]

Cid--

...We'll find a way to get me to him.

[she grins, teeth showing, pleased.] Good. Well- give me a little time, and I'm sure I can find something better.

[she gives the wings a curious look, interested, and hums.]

I suppose so… It'd be a challenge, but one I think is entirely manageable. It'll be interesting!

[she shifts, reaching to put a hand on his shoulder.]

Definitely. We'll find something. For now- give me a moment to cook something up.

[ And then... Nero lays down again - his taur-esque bit just falling to the ground, with a soft thud. For once, he's lower down then her - but Nero is trying to look taller and sneering still. ]

I have time. Who knows how much of this Allagan technology has tainted me?

[ Though his tone might sound a little bitter, his expression shows the truth. Nero likes this, in some twisted way. ]

Isn't it odd, though? That while Ultima could tower over a man before, now it's so small... if it harnesses the same power as before, that could be... fun.

[…it's always a weird moment when someone who she feels should be taller isn't. He's still trying, so she just wrinkles her nose at his expression- though it's due a little to his words, as well. She's not quite as delighted- though it is a curious thing, of course…]

I wonder… I don't know how we'd be able to tell, though- you might have a better idea.

[she hums, digging out her skillet and ingredients. food on the go!]

Most curious. … It could fly, couldn't it? [with Garuda's power, at least- that's how it seemed.]

That's right - at least, when awoken and given the right power. When Ultima Weapon is fed any Eikon, it can mimic those strengths - to go and get rid of more of those damned false gods. [ His voice seemed to waver in awe of what it could do - a creepy grin plastered on his face. ] Truly, if there had been more time, perhaps all Eikon could be destroyed and nobody else would lose their minds to them.

...But even without any power, it is made to fight.

Oho… So that's how it worked. […man, if only cooking didn't mean she couldn't go poke his face at that.] Well- I wonder if that's how it works, exactly… After all, those three were released when we fought it. Still- perhaps if we got some feathers…?

[she nods, ears flicking for a moment, remembering.]

So we should see what it can do now… Perhaps some way away from camp, though.

Absorbing the aether of lesser beings? That sounds... interesting. Unlike the Eikon, however, most creatures have bodies. Or will you be dealing with that, too?

[ ...His tail is flicking-- it's wagging at the smell of food. He isn't mentioning it. ] Perhaps when most people are asleep.

Well- sometimes, Garuda leaves feathers behind… But that's worth trying too, I'm sure. [absolutely a good idea! And she nods, holding her knife up- just briefly.] Of course. Make use of what you hunt.

[…oh gosh that's kind of cute. clearly the best part of this.]

That might work. Night-time, then?

[and just a little more and- presto, stew! She holds out a bowl to him.] Here.

These feathers don't brainwash, do they? [ He says, with a little concern entering his voice. Even Garleans-fused-with-Magitek have worries, okay. ]

Night-time would be best. And you can run along and tell those Scions of yours that it's quite safe here.

[ Is that a glance of thankfulness from Nero? It might just be, for a second.

And... oh wow, he is devouring that, and-- wait. As he eats, his mouth and teeth distort a little - seeming more monster-like as he laps it up, before he snaps back to normal. ]

The feathers? [It's a fair question, but-] No, I shouldn't think so- I think there needs to be actual intent behind that, and a small part like feathers wouldn't be able to produce that.

[she hums, nodding.]

I'm- well, reasonably sure we're not going to find the place suddenly blown apart, or anything equally ridiculous.

[though. that's… curious. worrisome, and she props her chin on one hand.]

… What about you? Will you be all right?

...That'a a relief. So do we simply goad them into creating their Eikon? I'm so sorry I don't know how this is handled.

[ He let out a soft snarl, however. ] I was fine before you came here. I can handle myself alone. He always can.

Honestly, we wouldn't have to do very much… Things are perhaps a little better than they were, but all the same… the situation between the tribes and the cities hasn't changed enough.

[maybe a little handy in this kind of situation, but… still.

She just. makes a face. nero why are you like this.]

I'm sure. What were you intending to do for your next meal, though?