EVENT #5: SOVEREIGN CITIZENS (VENERA)

[aionmods]

Sovereign Citizens

VENERA

In contrast the Aion's last visit, they now arrive in Venera on a completely average day... or so it seems. Unlike Godsblood, Venera has been given no warning as to what's about to befall it; the Kenoma are simply authorized to arrive and begin their bloody work without fanfare. Even their entourage of Achamite soldier don't stick out that much; in the time since the plague left, the city has refilled with occupying forces. Notably, the Hylician ones seem to be keeping out of the way, almost as if they've heard some things and would rather not be involved too closely in what's to come.

As opposed to the ghost town it was during the plague, Venera is now reasonably active, with most attending to their usual business. Shops are open, and its people are withdrawn but superficially friendly when meeting strangers. Initially, the targets of the Kenoma hit list will have no way of knowing what's coming for them, but after the first couple attacks word will begin to spread. Those that have recently been engaging in seditious behavior will become harder to find, leaving their usual homes and workplaces to stay elsewhere, and making other attempts to escape the Regent's attention.

Once those alerts have been raised, the Kenoma will have to engage in more detective work to find their targets, questioning other Venerans and seeking out fugitives in the homes of their family and friends. In the meantime, some of those who believe they are in danger may become desperately enough to seek out the Pleroma directly, imploring them for aid. Unfortunately, seeking out one sect may just as easily draw the attention of the other. Most uninvolved Venerans will be too terrified to intervene one way or another, reluctant to aid in the persecution of their neighbors but fearful of consequences. If your Aion travels openly, it will take some effort to pin them down long enough to hold a conversation.

SEEDS OF DESPAIR

Several days into the culling of Venera, the Aions will have witnessed the city gradually withdraw into itself. The streets become vacant as more and more people decide it isn't worth the risk to be seen outside, abandoning work and play alike to hide out in their homes, refusing to answer their doors to all except the most desperate pleading. Those that can't avoid their daily obligations are quiet and morose, trying their best to remain unseen and unremarked upon.

If your character has been observed as a Kenoma, either now or in their previous visits to the city, the citizens will look upon them as if they are the messengers of death. If you are seen as a Pleroma, they will resist your gaze, as if fearing your presence alone might leave them marked. In rarer cases, you will see those with stronger spirits, with glares of hatred or determination. They are powerless now, but seeds have been sewn, and whether they are the seeds of despair or of action are yet unclear.

By the time the Kenoma's hit list has been fully addressed, several have been killed and several more have been rushed from their homes to flee the city entirely. There have been holes left in the tapestry of the community they were once part of. One way or another, their absence will be felt keenly by those they left behind.

QUESTIONS

What is the best way for Aions to travel to Venera?
Estinien has plans to get an early start for the Pleroma by teleporting to the Lover's shrine and flying somewhere closer to set up a portal from the ocean caves near the Godsblood Lodestone to a spot of farmland closer to Venera. Paul will be setting up a portal directly from Achamoth to one of the Achamite outposts in Venera.

How much force can the Kenoma use while interrogating Venerans?
While they are generally not permitted to kill Venerans who haven't tried to physically fight them, they will be permitted to apply both physical and mental pressure upon those that refuse to provide them with information regarding the whereabouts of their targets. This duress should be proportional to the resistance the Veneran is offering. The Regent is not inviting them to terrorize Venera on a level to a level they cannot reasonably blaim themselves for.

Comments

[locumstudentesquire]

[As Kaeya approaches, Ryunosuke blinks on his Insight almost without thinking, desperate for any kind of information that might give him an edge on getting both himself and the people he's protecting out of this situation in one piece. After all... Just because he's standing his ground, that doesn't mean that he's not scared half out of his wits. There's a Kenoma approaching him with a wicked looking sword in hand, and if it would be nice to be able to call his bluff, if he happens to be pulling one.

By the time the distance is closed between them, Ryunosuke still doesn't budge, and the bubble surrounding him doesn't even ripple from the tap of Kaeya's sword. He does flinch, though, just a little, when the ice shoots past him. He needs to buy the people inside time to get away. As much as possible.

What comes out of his mouth immediately after that may very well backfire on him horribly, or it may do absolutely nothing at all... But in his desperation to find an angle to appeal to this man from, there isn't much else Ryunosuke knows about him that he can draw from, besides one single commonality. It slips out of him in anger:]

You suppose Lumine would approve of what you're doing here then, do you? Terrorizing this city? Harassing citizens who don't have the power to stand up for themselves?

[subsist]

[ it doesn't backfire, not entirely, at the very least. what it does is make the vibrant hues of kaeya's aura flicker wildly between red and blue, as if betraying all of the doubts that aren't going to show on the surface. the look on kaeya's face doesn't change, all sharp smiles with hints of faint amusement, and what he says seems to reflect the same thing even if his aura says otherwise. ]

Lumine would fight back, you know. She'd put a stop to what I'm doing rather than keep wasting my time.

[ it's alright if ryunosuke wants to stay in his bubble. one look at the icicles still poking out of his arm says it all: it's going to be a lost cause even if he tries. kaeya places a hand over the shield bubble, and from there, ice begins to spread out, gradually encasing both the shield and ryunosuke in a frozen prison if he doesn't act quick.

not that he's all that interested in what the pleroma aion is going to do, because he busies himself with making use of the newly formed spikes to aid in climbing over the bubble shield. if ryunosuke isn't going to budge, then... he's more than happy to keep him there while he makes his way over to the house. ]

[locumstudentesquire]

[Ryunosuke's heart skips a beat catching sight of the fluctuations in the other Aion's aura. As he suspected... There's a lot more going on under the surface than Kaeya would like to let on, isn't there?

But what does it mean...?

He doesn't have time to try and think through it. Something else is happening.]

What--!?

[Ryunosuke does a few frantic double takes, between the spreading ice and the fact that Kaeya is just straight up clambering over him like he's little more than an inconveniently placed boulder.

His eyes flash with anger. Lumine would fight back. Lumine had magic! Impressive magic, not the measly little cantrips that Ryunosuke has been working his butt off to get the hang of ever since he got here. Powers that he never could have imagined accessing back home, but which have little practical use when it comes to a confrontation like this.

It doesn't matter, though. Magic or no, he is not letting this Kenoma into that house. He won't allow it.

As soon as Kaeya comes down on the other side of him, Ryunosuke releases the bubble, shattering the dome of ice that was building up around it. Teeth gritted against the pain in his arm, he whirls and casts a new bubble-- this time, around his opponent, trapping him.

...If Kaeya happens to look back at him, he'll find Ryunosuke in a minor state of shock that he actually pulled that off? But it's only for a beat, until his expression hardens, and he delivers a surprisingly fierce and powerful kick at the bubble, aiming to punt the other Aion down the alleyway.

It's fine. It's a forcefield. He won't get hurt in there, even if he happens to bounce around a little bit. Begone, thot.]

[subsist]

[ it's almost unfair that ryunosuke can get a glimpse of what's going on inside kaeya's head even if he doesn't necessarily get the specifics. the flickering between the two hues doesn't quite stop up until kaeya has managed to take a few steps, settling into cool, icy blue with barely any hints of red. it appears that there is a part of him that's reluctant to proceed his advance, as if waiting for something, anything at all, to happen.

luckily, his words appear to have spurned ryunosuke into action, glancing back as the shield forms around his person. the shocked look on ryunosuke's face almost makes him laugh, but what doesn't get voiced out loud are filled with minor pride: there you go. now things are about to get interesting— even more so when the little guy kicks the bubble down the alleyway.

it jostles kaeya along the way, causing him to stab his sword with enough force to poke the shield from within. even if that doesn't work, the ice extends outwards and into the wall, clinging to the outer edge of the bubble as an attempt to slow it down in its path. it's only when he comes to a complete stop that he steadies himself, huffing at ryunosuke. ]

Now, that wasn't so hard, was it?

[ unluckily, for ryunosuke at least, this also means that kaeya is done holding back. a larger shard forms in front of him, one that he sends directly at the other man from within the bubble, hoping that the momentum is enough to burst right through.

if ryunosuke isn't quick, this is careening straight at him. ]

Try again.

[locumstudentesquire]

[The way his aura cools? That's something Ryunosuke will be mulling over particularly hard later, when he has nothing but time to reflect on this whole scuffle. It only does so when it seems like he's got a clear path into the house, his quarry ostensibly within reach... Which seems to indicate he doesn't really want to do this. Right? Is that why he's is egging Ryunosuke on so hard? Because he's hoping one of the Pleroma will be able to save him from his own actions, by stopping him through force?

In the moment, Ryunosuke can only make some snap assumptions about what any of it really means. His sense of triumph from the success of his little trick just before is quickly dashed to pieces, as the Kenoma manages to halt himself more easily than anticipated.

One or two hits wouldn't typically be enough to break the force-field, but perhaps Ryunosuke's momentary dip in confidence makes it pop far faster than it might do otherwise. The shard just barely misses him, whiffing past as he hastily throws himself out of the way and presses flat against the alley wall, sucking in a terrified breath. That could have skewered him?!

Don't think about it don't think about it don't think about it-- He needs to keep buying the family more time. He can't possibly win this fight, but he doesn't have to, he just needs to survive long enough for them to get away, and THEN he can worry about himself--]

I don't want to fight you, Sebastian! Why are you even doing this? Don't tell me you actually believe the Regent's insane promises?

[He's back to talking but he's tensed, ready to make another move in case more ice comes at him again. Stringing this along bit by bit, moment by moment.]

[subsist]

[ for one traitorous moment, the entirety of kaeya's aura turns completely blue. maybe it's because of the nature of ryunosuke's questions. maybe it's because he's weighing the pros and cons between telling the truth versus lying through his teeth. or maybe it's because ryunosuke calls him by a false name again, making things so much worse than it should be. whatever it is, it's clear not even kaeya has any idea what he wants out of this anymore.

at first, he had every full intention of hassling the family that was rumoured to be part of the rebel group they've been tasked to hunt down, but ryunosuke keeps asking loaded questions that have no easy answer so his patience is slowly running ragged, threatening to snap. ]

Is this really the time to ask your questions?

[ this isn't a court of law, nerd.

that, and kaeya isn't interested in giving ryunosuke anything to work with. he manifests another sword in place of the one he got rid of earlier, turning to approach the other aion once more. ryunosuke is hellbent on keeping him preoccupied while the family he's protecting is likely escaping right now, so alright, he now has this kenoma's full attention. ]

I'd be more worried about how you're going to keep me busy while the ones you're trying to protect leave you here to die.

[ without waiting for the other's reaction, he charges forward with a swift strike of his sword. ]

[locumstudentesquire]

[For one thrilling moment, Ryu wonders if he's found an angle of attack. It hurts, to see someone so full of doubt and insecurity like this... But maybe it's a sign, that this situation isn't beyond hope yet--

And then Kaeya lunges at him with another sword in hand. Wild-eyed and dodging for his very life, Ryunosuke jumps backwards with a frightened yelp and lands just out of reach of the first attack, instantly locking the two of them in an frenetic, clumsy dance. Kaeya calls the shots by pressing forward, slashing, with Ryunosuke countering by just narrowly leaping back out of reach each time, the tip of the blade slicing through the air only centimeters away from his stomach. There's a cadence to it: One, two, three--

On four, he calls up another force-field, intercepting the next blow; it might knock Kaeya's arm back, it might break the ice sword, or knock it out of his hand-- whatever happens, Ryunosuke jumps on the opportunity it opens up. With some fancy footwork and maneuvering, he manipulates the recoil on the bubble, directing it forward and... Literally bowling Kaeya over with it. Like the man is a bowling pin, and Ryunosuke is going for a strike. It's crude, and clumsy, but it gets the job done of breaking up the onslaught, which is absolutely necessary because Ryunosuke would almost certainly have eventually taken a wrong step, if they'd kept going. And he rather prefers his guts stay on the inside of his body, actually??

With his opponent temporarily laid out, the bubble disperses when Ryunosuke is on the other side of him, once again placing himself between the Kenoma and the entrance to the house; he whirls to face Kaeya again, but notably doesn't even attempt to try and get at him while he's down. Whether that's because he knows he'd fail if he tried, or whether he's still trying to handle this peacefully... That interpretation is up to Kaeya.

But even if Ryunosuke is still trying to avoid violence, his expression isn't any less the countenance of a warrior; he's furious, full of determination to see this through. And if Kaeya possessed the same Insight into the aura around him, he'd find Ryunosuke's a bright, burning red to contrast his own simmering blue.]

You make it sound like they're choosing to abandon me, but that couldn't be further from the truth!

[As he speaks, he's still holding his injured arm; blood trickles off his dangling fingers, dripping down onto the ground. The very sound of it makes him feel sick, which only makes him feel the stress of his injury even more viscerally; he fights to ignore it.]

When we first met here in this city, we had a common goal to help the people here, did we not? And now the Regent wants you to turn on them... But you don't actually want to do that, do you!? I can see them! The true feelings inside you!

[subsist]

[ it all comes so easily to him. a strict, daily training regime meant that his swordplay is as swift and elegant as ever, not once letting up despite the fact that ryunosuke manages to dodge all of his attacks clumsily. it doesn't bother him. not really. at least this means the little guy isn't so hopeless after all, despite being way out of his own depth. not that he lingers on that particular thought for too long because this isn't over just yet.

at some point, ryunosuke manages to catch him off-guard, which is just as surprising as what the man does next. his sword breaks when he gets literally bowled over like a standing obstacle, and for a split-second, he wonders if he should laugh or remain in shock. that has to be the most ridiculous way anyone has ever disarmed him, but he has to give ryunosuke some points for creativity.

his smile grows more wicked and delighted by the second. ]

You know, if you wanted to pin me down... all you had to do was ask.

[ while he listens to ryunosuke, he doesn't bother summoning a sword for the time being. it reminds him so much of things that someone who once mattered to him would have said. nowadays just the thought of any similarities makes him sick. he ignores everything that was said, opting to bring one hand up instead.

whatever his true feelings are, they don't matter in the grand scheme of things. ]

And you certainly look stressed enough. Why don't I help you chill out?

[ with a snap of his fingers, the temperature in the alleyway drops to an all-time low, quickly decreasing with every second that ticks by. soon enough it's going to be harder to breathe, even more so with how much fancy footwork ryunosuke had to put up with in order to avoid getting sliced.

it's only going to be a matter of time, but he won't wait for it. he begins his slow approach. (mostly for the dramatics.) ]

[locumstudentesquire]

[At first, Ryunosuke doesn't quite understand what's happening.

Why is he not attacking?

Having a reprieve from the violent onslaught should come as a relief, but his instincts impart only an increasing sense of foreboding. Not that the chill that runs down his spine is entirely out of place... It's rattling, hearing this guy grow more and more delighted the harder Ryunosuke fights back.

It becomes quickly apparent, though, that there's something much more sinister at play. Ryunosuke was already panting: from the exertion, from the panic, from the adrenaline one would expect from an unseasoned normie getting tossed into a life or death battle... It's only a second or two after Kaeya snaps his fingers that he realizes he can see his breath coming out in little puffs of condensation... In the middle of summer...

By the time he realizes what's happening, it's already too late. He's being plunged into a cold deeper and more sinister than any winter he's ever experienced, and all at once, it's like he's trying to take in breaths full of tiny daggers; his chest tightens painfully with each inhale, the air frigid and sharp, and his extremities start to go numb. Dizzy with panic, he's desperate for air but each breath brings more pain, causing him to stagger to one side of the alley and lean there for support. There he sinks, slowly, down to his knees, huddled and shivering.

He manages to look up at Kaeya as he approaches; there's obvious fear in his eyes now, and he clearly wants to get back up-- whether to continue fighting or to make an escape, even he isn't sure-- But his body is in too much shock from the abrupt and calamitous shift in temperature. His limbs just won't obey.]

[subsist]

[ ryunosuske isn't the only one whose breath is coming out in little puffs, but that's the funny thing about visions. even if their wielder is of the same element, they aren't necessarily spared from the more extreme effects of what their power is capable of. kaeya is just more used to it, especially since he's had to deal with the sheer cold of dragonspine on top of his own powers.

it's really the only reason why he looks like the picture-perfect representation of casual ease. ]

Hm? What's the matter? Can't handle the cold?

[ his aura is a simmering blue just a moment ago, but gradually, flickers of red and purple begin to mix right in. it's not long before it settles in a shade that's more purple than red or blue. perhaps kaeya is slowly starting to bury away all his doubts.

or perhaps he's learning how to care less and less.

(maybe ryunosuke shouldn't have called out that he knew about kaeya's true feelings.)

once he's close enough to ryunosuke, he reaches down to grasp the pleroma's chin so he could keep those frightened eyes focused on him. ]

I didn't think it would be this easy to bring you to your knees.

[locumstudentesquire]

[Really? He didn't? Ryunosuke finds that extremely hard to believe.

He knows he's not a heavy hitter, and he knows the Kenoma can surely tell that as well. He knows he has no business thinking himself competent or qualified enough to engage in this conflict as a formidable player. Not like Estinien, or Himeka, or Syrlya, or any of the other Pleroma who have seen war and thrived in the face of it.

Despite that, he's been training hard in his time here, polishing what minimal knowledge and skill he'd already possessed; practicing his archery, focusing on his fitness... trying out all kinds of new things to increase his survivability in the hope that, if he failed to find a niche in martial skill, he might at least keep himself from being a burden to the rest of the Pleroma.

Even so... He'd known, right from the start, that if he ever found himself in a serious fight like this? Odds were he'd serve as little better than cannon fodder. Because grit, determination... An unwavering sense of justice. stubbornness. These are Ryunosuke's greatest strengths, all traits which have all served him well in his work as a lawyer. But in a physical skirmish? So long as he lacks the raw power to back his efforts, and the killer instinct to put it to use, those things mean very little...

And anyway... even his legendary tenacity has limits. There have been plenty of times before where he has found himself teetering on the edge of throwing in the towel, only to have one of his friends storm in at the last minute to remind him what he's fighting for, to inspire him anew. He'd draw his strength from them and charge back into the fray, often overcoming insurmountable odds...

...But there's no one here for him this time.

The fiery determination in Ryu's stare is threatening to sputter down to embers, much in the way Kaeya's aura cools right before his very eyes. Yet, even though he's clearly terrified, he doesn't avert his gaze, or try to jerk his chin out of the other Aion's grip.]

Guhh... I-if that's what you were hoping for this whole time, you c-c-c-could have just asked...

[A last ditch attempt at gallows humor, said rather sullenly. He suspects Kaeya is just trying to get a last rise out of him or make him flustered, and he's not going to play ball?? If he's about to get his throat cut or whatever, he'd at least like to keep his dignity :/]

[subsist]

[ come on, ryunosuke. kaeya was being facetious. of course he knows how their circumstances are way beyond ryunosuke's capabilities. someone's a little out of his element, and it's definitely not kaeya this time around. while he doesn't always relish the thrill of battle, the fear that he can bring out of people will never stop delighting him.

and what started out as an attempt to get someone like ryunosuke used to the idea that he can't talk his way out of this one, especially if he's dealing with the other members of the kenoma, has now turned into this.

there's just something about being the reason why someone is so terrified that's so... charming? it's almost cute. well, to be fair, toying with the pleroma like this hadn't been his original goal, but since ryunosuke is so determined to be the one to keep him busy, then he might as well have some fun with it. ]

I didn't need to ask. You gave yourself to me on a silver platter.

[ the onslaught of the cold weather doesn't waver one bit. kaeya's fingers feel like frost on ryunosuke's skin. a split-second goes by where the purple tone of his aura melts into blue, but it's gone when he finally decides to force the other man to a stand, pulling him up by the chin. it's there and then that he crowds him up against the wall, and he leans in real close.

all the better to see if ryunosuke will pee his pants, y'know. ]

Any last words?

[locumstudentesquire]

[He's starting to lose his grip as far as his Insight is concerned. He hasn't quite mastered using it for long spans of time yet-- not without causing a certain amount of mental strain to himself. And in a weakened state like this, it can be even trickier to keep up. Kaeya's aura seems to be growing fainter right before Ryunosuke's eyes, and only the occasional straining surge brings everything back into focus long enough for him to still observe it. It's an incredible coincidence that he manages to catch sight of the cool blue that's present for a split second there, at the center of it all.

Despite everything, he still wishes he could understand what drives this man.

Well. Maybe there will be time to figure it out yet, he thinks to himself grimly, after the Regent does their dark magic and forces me to serve the Kenoma... They'd be co-workers, then, right? Assuming the Regent didn't just shatter his shard on sight for his association with the Innocence...

He hisses when Kaeya readjusts his grip, his breathing continuously unsteady as the other man forces him to his feet and bears down on him, their faces uncomfortably close. Ryunosuke really, really wishes he'd shut up and just kill him already, if that is indeed what he's planning on doing. He has no last words. Just a stubborn, angry glare that at least does a decent enough job of making up for the obvious fear present in his eyes...

"Ryunosuke!"

Out of the blue, a shout comes from the doorway behind them. Ryunosuke's heart sinks, his pupils contracting to pinpricks.

If Kaeya turns to look, he'll spot woman who appears to be in her 40s or so. She's clearly terrified for Ryunosuke, and unwilling to leave him behind. Upon hearing her voice, Ryunosuke starts to squirm anew against Kaeya's grip, digging deep and wrenching up the strength to take a swing at his head with one clumsily aimed fist.]

[subsist]

[ this is the part kaeya enjoys the most: just seeing that sliver of fear mixed in with the determination and anger. ryunosuke makes it too fun to terrorize him like this but that's about as far as that goes. despite his words, he doesn't intend to outright kill the little guy since he doesn't think he needs to go that far, and—

Ryunosuke!

his head whips over to the one who called out that name, a careless mistake, one that costs him a clear view of the man he's pushed against the wall. ryunosuke takes the chance to sock him in the jaw, and it succeeds in making kaeya let him go. there's light bruising on his skin, but it hasn't wiped out the smirk on his face. ]

... Cheap shot.

[ whether or not he sounds impressed is up for debate.

instead of retaliating against ryunosuke, however, he charges straight at the woman, aiming to take a cheap shot of his own. if he isn't stopped, or if she doesn't run away, she'll find herself skewered in one of the new frozen swords that kaeya has manifested again. ]

[locumstudentesquire]

[He almost doesn't expect that blow to land, nor does he expect Kaeya to actually let go of him that easily. His legs almost give out from under him as he's released, and he slides partway down the wall before he manages to catch himself with both hands splayed against brick.

This is one of those moments where time seems to almost stand still; seconds becoming minutes, minutes becoming hours... Kaeya charges towards the Veneran. Ryunosuke sees the ice sword glinting in his hand--

This whole fight, he's been trying desperately to hold this other Aion off, without causing any direct damage. That's just in his nature; he doesn't want to draw blood, he doesn't want to wound. He knows there are many on both sides who scoff at the very idea of avoiding bloodshed, in this conflict that keeps being referred to as a war... But violence just doesn't come easily to him.

Yet, he'd also promised to protect this family, whatever it took. They'd helped him; they'd given him a roof to sleep under and fed him, told them of their city's history and its cultural plight, of its lost knowledge... They'd chosen to associate with him, despite the risks inherent to doing so with a fugitive Pleroma. He'd put a target on their backs just by speaking to them. If anything happens to any of them...

In the most literal, combative sense, he has never actually understood what it really means, to attack in order to defend. Not before this exact moment.

He moves without thinking, surging to his feet with a renewed strength and ferocity, his sheer determination to protect overcoming the cold and his pain and exhaustion. And his body is changing as he moves, without his even noticing; fingers morph out claws, teeth sharpen into fangs. Under his clothes, patches of scales start to spread up his back, spreading to his neck and hands. Yet there's no new magic awakening in him here, no hidden ability he's suddenly tapping into. It's just sheer, foolish, gumption fueled adrenaline, a moment of self actualization provoked by the most dire of circumstances. His desires, his sense of purpose, are both molding his Aion body, giving him new form.

He's going to fight tooth and nail to defend these people who can't defend themselves. Even if it means throwing himself in harms way. Even if it means trading blows.

He slams into Kaeya from behind with all his weight, tackling the Kenoma to the ground. The woman in the doorway, who has been frozen in terror at the sight of the Kenoma sprinting towards her, gets her wits back about her and screams, dropping the wood carving mallet she'd brought to the doorway with her for protection.

Both Aions tussle violently on the ground, Ryunosuke snarling like an animal as he tries to hold Kaeya back without getting slashed. Without taking his eyes off of his opponent, he shouts at the woman in question:]

Don't worry about me, just get moving already!!!!!!

[This time she listens, though Ryunosuke is too occupied to see her go. Something lashes behind him as he snarls; it's a testament to how painless and natural the transformation is, that he's grown an entire reptilian looking tail in the course of the last few seconds without even noticing. Which ought to be interesting for him to cope with later, once he realizes... For now, it poses an extra threat to Kaeya, as he has no bones about whipping it at the Kenoma while they scuffle, if the opportunity presents itself.]

[subsist]

[ curious how posing a threat to someone else is what seems to work. then again, it shouldn't really surprise him too much. he'd marked ryunosuke as someone with a bleeding heart from day one, so of course he'd finally act once kaeya goes after someone else. he'll file that away for future scenarios, but for now...

the tackle coming from behind knocks the wind right off his chest, and once he finds himself on the ground, the scuffle begins. it's messy and aggressive, reckless and careless, but it does the trick: it buys the woman and her family some time to escape while kaeya is busy attempting to overpower the little guy who is so desperate to protect them. ]

So you do have sharp teeth, after all.

[ that is, ryunosuke isn't going to remain as someone who isn't going to fight back, which is a good thing. it makes things a whole lot more interesting.

maybe ryunosuke might be able to tell that kaeya has shifted gears at some point. no longer is he trying to pin him down on the ground, but rather his hand reaches for the closest thing he can wield as a weapon — it could be anything at all, and what he ends up grabbing ahold of is the very same mallet the woman had dropped. without wasting another second, he'll use it to knock ryunosuke out cold in one strike, hoping that the man has a thick skull given how persistently stubborn he's been throughout all this.

if he doesn't, well... ]

[locumstudentesquire]

[...He doesn't see the mallet coming. How could he? He'd barely even registered that it was there in the first place. And Kaeya has been wielding ice as his weapon this whole time; it doesn't occur to Ryunosuke for a second that he might change the script like this.

Turns out his skull must really be that thick, or maybe Aions really are just made of sterner stuff than regular humans are; maybe Kaeya's blow gets absorbed somewhat by the bony roots of Ryunosuke's horns. Whatever the reason, the hit doesn't instantly drop him, but it does stun him. Significantly.

With a cry of shock he reels back, obviously disoriented, eyes crossed, vision blurring ominously... Which leaves him wide open for Kaeya to finish the job. He won't have much room for coherent thought before he loses consciousness anyway.

Seems he'll be missing the boat back to Godsblood after all.]

[subsist]

( ooc. it works just fine!! don't worry your little head over it— )

[ it's rather crass and inelegant, but the mallet does what kaeya needed it to do. a cheap trick too, and yet when has playing nice ever helped anyone get anywhere? he doesn't bother wasting anymore time thinking about what he did seeing that it did give him the opening he wanted, letting him knock ryunosuke out with the usual pressure point trick.

luckily for ryunosuke, kaeya is feeling merciful enough not to let him drop to the floor, catching him before he falls. he won't leave him outside either so he drags him inside the house through the door that was left wide open. once he's sure the man isn't going to wake up any time soon is when he finally leaves him, scoping out the house in order to check every nook and cranny.

it's almost frustrating to see that the family had managed to escape, but it doesn't surprise him. ryunosuke did buy them enough time, after all, so he's willing to give the guy some credit. it's just too bad that this means he's left empty-handed seeing as the targets are gone, but then again—

he heads back to where he left the unconscious pleroma, watching him closely while he considers what to do next. it only takes a few moments, but his expression shifts into something more muted and unreadable when he is reminded of an ominous idea he'd once proposed to... none other than barnaby, their turncoat. it's almost annoying, really, thinking back on it, and it does make his mood a whole lot worse, but this is an opportunity that doesn't come by so easily.

he can only hope that a certain dragoon won't fail to come to ryunosuke's aid. ]