#tho it might be fuckin useful to put the damn vent cover back on my vent finally.

[arcaneyouth]

theyve gotta stop doing this to me

[gulescamisade]

Alaska: Day 5, Purifier

DAVE: -he just throws his communicator in frustration out into the open snow-

DAVE: -before also going to get it-

ARANEA: ... -eyeballs him-

DAVE: -picks it up and wipes the snow off of it before sighing- fuck

ARANEA: -looks around... then shuffles over to approach him- (Is everything alright?)

DAVE: -turns to see aranea there and just shrugs in a sort of bitter defeat- considering somehow jade transformed into something evil with our twins inside of her

DAVE: no

DAVE: not really

ARANEA: ... I'm sorry.

ARANEA: I know that must 8e difficult.

DAVE: -takes a deep breath- yeah

DAVE: it is

DAVE: -pauses- do you have anyone youre worried about

TEREZI: =a few yards away, Terezi is shoving her own phone into her mouth=

ARANEA: -glances off- Well... It would seem most everyone I'm close to is here. Which makes me more fortunate.

ARANEA: I would hate to 8e in your position... Not knowing what might 8ecome of Daelos. -it's kind of the same. he's like, old and decrepid...-

DAELOS: -HEY NOW.-

DAVE: yeah i mean

DAVE: there are people i care about here but someones fuckin with jades head 

DAVE: and someone named jane apparently

DAVE: -throws his com AGAIN-

DAVE: -before going to get it again-

ARANEA: -I love you daelos..............-

ARANEA: -and omg dave you're such a dork. just watches him.- Ahem...

ARANEA: That's awful.

DAVE: yeah

DAVE: why are we even here

ARANEA: Perhaps the plan is to... divide us physically 8ecause we are stronger as a group?

DAVE: but why the snow

DAVE: why didnt they use a grenade to kill us all

ARANEA: -shrugs- The Empress has always 8een notoriously... o8tuse?

ARANEA: It's difficult to say if she even has a grand scheme in place, or if she is simply... for a lack of a 8etter term, "fucking with us."

DAVE: that is the best term

ARANEA: ... -awkwardly reaches out to pat his shoulder. pat pat.- I know your moirail is here, 8ut if you need anyone else to vent to... I'm willing to listen.

DAVE: -his expression softens and he nods- thanks

DAVE: this is some really fucked up shit you know

ARANEA: Yes... It is. -clenches fist- However, I feel we've 8een dealt worse!

ARANEA: Though we are divided and uncertain of what's in store, we are 8etter equipped to fight 8ack then we have ever 8een.

DAVE: i dunno

DAVE: i dont want to get my hopes up

DAVE: -wipes at his eyes-

ARANEA: 8ut we have to have hope! That's precisely what the Empress wants to deny us of!

DAVE: its just gonna be that much worse if some or all of us dont make it

ARANEA: Then you use that pain! To fight for the one's we've lost along the way!

ARANEA: I know I don't have much right to say something like that. 8ut I've witnessed all the good this group can do... What you can do. -squeezes his shoulder-

ARANEA: We can survive.

DAVE: -he hates crying in front of people so he's trying to keep his tears in check here- yeah DAVE: yeah okay

DAVE: -he's being...sincere...?-

DAVE: -puts his com away and takes a deep breath- we have to keep moving

DAVE: everyone up lets go

NYALAH: -rises from under some snow and shakes it off. Time to trot off.-

REDGLARE: -She is there. Getting up with the help of her staff...-

ARANEA: -watches dave carefully before returning to daelos to help him along-

DAVE: -he's gonna make sure everyone is moving along now. he's gotta get to jade.-

TEREZI: =wipes the slobber off her phone and climbs to her feet, brushing snow off of her butt. It's time to get out of this wintery hellhole.=

---

[[ It has been a few hours since the crew of the Unbreakable Union set off again, following the Yukon River to what is hopefully another city. Throughout their stay in Bumfuck, Nowhere, they have decided the best course of action was to continue moving foward, only taking occasional pitstops out of the wind to sustain themselves and wait out the cold night by huddling together. It was all very heartwarming and cute. ]]

[[ However, the crew can clearly see that another storm is on the distant horizon, and it looks like it's going to be a bad one. They are out in the open and should seek shelter soon. On the other side of the river, which has narrowed by this point (perhaps it's safe enough to cross?) is a slightly denser, evergreen forest that slopes into a rocky valley. ]]

REDGLARE: -She's got a cloth wrapped around her shoulders, covering her wings. She can't do much flying in this kind of whether-- they sure can't handle much more of this. And at this rate, they'll never reach their destination in time to find the others.-

KARKAT: =More like it was bullshit and necessary hell. Making a face at the approaching storm and how exposed they were= OF, FUCKING, COURSE. WE SHOULD PROBABLY HEAD FOR THE FOREST AND PROBABLY NOT FALL ON OUR FUCKING FACES THERE.

ARANEA: -keeping ahold of daelos' hand, sighing in frustration about the impending storm. it's really hard to stay positive in this kind of weather! fuck you, alaska!-

NYALAH: -horks and spits somewhere. Her nose was ice cold.-

ARANEA: -yuck...-

[[ It is strange that the previous howling of wolves is gone completely. Even the other sounds of nature have quieted as though a much, much larger predator is near. ]]

REDGLARE: R1ght.

NYALAH: -keeps her eyes to the skies. This is an ominous silence.-

DAVE: -he's gotta get to jade. he has to get to jade, then he has to get to john and james and rose and the rest of his family so there is NO time for any kind of hindering emotion. he's planning, calculating, every possible option. every possible method of transportation should they come across it. should they be given choices. this was just too important to fuck up, and he resolves to give all he can to bring everyone back together and get jade back.-

DAVE: -he's marching on, not too close to anyone in particular. he might start losing it if he says anything to karkat. damn moirails. he notices that there's no more howling of wolves and his senses are on alert- we have to move quicker

DAVE: silence means fear means a threat

DAVE: wolves are tough sons of bitches you wouldnt think they would just stop howling

DAELOS: -Although the repeated exposure to cold weather has certainly taken it's toll on him as well as the difficulty of limping through snow, he is doing his best to soldier on. He doesn't want Aranea to think him fragile or weak.-

REDGLARE: -She taps her staff against the river-- it looks pretty frozen, but who's to say how thick?-

DAVE: -he's trying to ignore the fact that he's shivering and that everyone around him is as well...but it's not so successful. it's fucking cold-

[[ It is the same as before; thick at the shore but thins toward the middle. Do they dare chance crossing? ]]

KARKAT: =Throw people=

REDGLARE: -She's going to start making her way across herself.-

DAELOS: -He eyes the ice dubiously. He's rather heavy.-

DAELOS: This seems unfeasible

DAELOS: I will go last

DAELOS: Just in case

TEREZI: =well, shes going to stiffly follow after them. She feels this cold in her bones....= TEREZI: =Turns to face Daelos= W-W3 C4N T13 4 ROP3 4ROUND YOU, JUST 1N C4S3 TH3 1C3 BR34KS

KARKAT: =how thick are the trees? Will his dumb fish mutant strength knock one down?=

KARKAT: =He's eyeballing them=

DAELOS: -Follows Karkat's gaze. Oh. Would that work?-

[[ The trees are rather far off... It may not be safe going alone... ]]

DAVE: -YEAH KARKAT-

DAVE: -LISTEN TO THE NARRATION-

KARKAT: =DOES HE GIVE A SHIT ABOUT NARATION THO?= ALRIGHT I WOULD RATHER YOU DIDN'T FALL IN THE WATER IN THE FIRST PLACE.

KARKAT: YOU'RE NOT DOING WELL IN THE WIND, WATER ISN'T THE BEST THING FOR YOU RIGHT NOW.

DAELOS: If you tr001y wish to try that, then I will accompany you

DAELOS: I still have my STRENGTH

DAVE: all of us pulling on the rope would have to get him out of there DAVE: plus like he said DAVE: his STRENGTH

DAELOS: Yes, my STRENGTH -unblinking-

[[ They still need to cross first in order to get any trees worthy enough for Daelos's weight ]]

DAELOS: -OH.-

DAVE: your STRENGTH

DAELOS: -Embarassed.- I could try jumping

DAELOS: STRONG jumping

NYALAH: -shifts restlessly from foot to foot.-

TEREZI: =shivering= W1LL TH4T R34LLY WORK?

KARKAT: ALRIGHT. HOW ABOUT THIS. SOMEONE WHO ISN'T A LARDASS COME WITH ME TO GET A TREE.... =Eyeballs him= DO YOU WANT TO TRY THAT?

DAELOS: I am not the most coordinated, but I certainly have the raw power to accomplish such a feat

REDGLARE: -she straight up just walked across-

REDGLARE: -LOOKING AT THEM FROM THE OTHER SIDE-

DAELOS: -Passes Aranea his apron and rolls up his sleeves-

DAVE: -redglare's a lardass-

DAVE: -is what karkat means-

DAELOS: -He's going to pretend he didn't hear that for the sake of his own ego-

DAVE: -obviously-

[[ Redglare is indeed successful. It appears the middle of the river is frozen over at this particular point. ]]

ARANEA: -she doesn't look too convinced... but she takes the apron- Don't hurt yourself...

DAELOS: Neigh

DAELOS: It is nothing!

KARKAT: PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF FUCK DON'T HURT YOURSELF. =He's going to wait for Daelos before going across=

DAELOS: -He looks awfully silly when he runs up (off kilter), but he does make quite a hefty STRONGLEAP in his attempt to get across- Oof!

NYALAH: -Haha. Fat horse.-

ARANEA: ::::o

REDGLARE: >;\

KARKAT: ALRIGHT GREAT. EVERYONE ELSE LET'S GO.

DAELOS: -LANDS AND SNOW EVERYWHERE-

DAVE: -begins moving forward. ice is fucking tricky okay...get on your feet. get up and make it happen-

DAELOS: -FWWWWOOOOOOOSH-

ARANEA: -shuffles across the ice. very carefully... shuffle shuffle.-

REDGLARE: -STEPS ASIDE SO SNOW DOESN'T HAPPEN ON HER-

LATULA: -TIPPY TOES U GUYS-

DAELOS: -grins at Aranea. Look at him. He's majestic-

ARANEA: -smiles back at him. SHE'S SO PROUD.-

KARKAT: =Hello ice.... you motherfucker. He's making his attempt and will guide Terezi if she needs it=

DAELOS: Huzzah! Please tread carefully. my deer

DAVE: if youre strugglin with the ice just pretend like youre a motherfuckin penguin DAVE: a badass penguin

NYALAH: -swiftly cat scampers across ice. Light on her feet.-

[[ As others begin to cross the river, something descends from sky, so quiet that they do not know it is there until it is already upon them. A gigantic white shape against the white of the clouds. ]]

KARKAT: =His fins have been pinned against his face so they're not doing so great at air pressure. Also they're numb..... WAIT A MINUTE= !!

REDGLARE: -She steps back.-- of course. They're far too open out here, at the river.- M4k3 for th3 tr33s.

REDGLARE: Go!

NYALAH: -leaps as far as her lithe body can take her. Gotta go fast.-

DAVE: -RUNS LIKE A PENGUIN while keeping an eye on the shape. he'll be prepared, he thinks, as he uncapchalogues his sword. just in case-

DAELOS: -He's rather useless at running, so he stands his ground, uncapchaloguing his LORGE HAMMER-

[[ As it descends, it is clear that this bird does not belong in this wasteland. A vulture, as big as Terezi's own lusus, swooped low. With a screeching cry much louder than any of the calls they had previously heard, it spread it's enormous wings slamming the full brunt of them squarely into Aranea's chest. ]]

[[ Something has definitely cracked ]]

[[ The vulture rises into the sky again, swooping down for another attack. ]]

REDGLARE: -HISSES-

DAVE: -ARANEA. fUCK. he's going to run in her direction-

ARANEA: -DOOF-

KARKAT: =God DAMMIT=

NYALAH: -YOWLING ANGRILY and parkours up a tree. She's going to leap with her claw gauntlets, about to punch slash this bird square in the face.-

REDGLARE: -She rushes over towards Aranea-- that creature was way too large for a "crack" to be something minor. She huffs loudly as she checks her-- still breathing? Still having a pulse?-

[[ Though Nyalah does manage to slash at it, it only comes away with a few scratches, her blows cushioned by the large feathers. She, however, has only made herself an easy target. With surprising maneuverablity, the vulture twists her head and catches Nyalah on the stomach with her hooked beak. ]]

DAELOS: -Pretty much ROARS in anger, for a second he just stands there, torn between making sure Aranea is okay and attacking- but seeing Nyalah take a beak to the stomach, decides it for him. He (painfully) bends his knees and STRONG LEAPS again, coming at the bird with his hammer while it's occupied.-

ARANEA: -the wind is knocked out of her for sure, but the pain blossoming across her chest makes it hard to distinguish what's wrong -- not that she could really verbalize it anyway. wheeeeze.-

DAVE: we gotta get her up

DAVE: youre stronger than me arent you -he looks at redglare- can you run with weight

TEREZI: =she's standing there dumbfounded because the closer it gets, the more she begins to recognize it.=

KARKAT: =Terezi no, he will haul you=

ARANEA: -nothing is broken, thankfully. but geez louise.-

NYALAH: -it's a whole second before she realizes what's happening, dragging her claw at the vulture's eye. But the hook of the beak is catching into her vulnerable underbelly and with no armor to protect her, penetrating into her flesh. A grotesque amount of olive colored blood now stains the snow.-

REDGLARE: -NOW the situation is rapidly spinning out of control. She attempts to wrap an arm around her and-- fuck it just STRONG LIFT.- Wh4t 4r3 you doing? -She barks at Terezi.-

ARANEA: -HORK that feels even worse. that's fine.-

DAVE: -redglare has aranea. he trusts she's okay with her as he now runs to terezi to try to get her moving- terezi we gotta go

REDGLARE: -it's PROBABLY NOT HELPING, NO, aside from helping her not to be prey to this big bird thing.-

REDGLARE: -OH WELL-

ARANEA: -LISTEN SHES GOTTA COMPLAIN-

DAVE: -olive blood. the huge bird has nyalah.-

[[ The vulture spins in the air, narrowly avoiding Daelos's blow. A few feathers bite it and float off. She seized Daelos by his hand with one of her clawed feet, her talons sharply cutting into his fingers as she swooped low again, dumping her prey (both Nyalah and Daelos) unceremoniously into the snow. ]]

NYALAH: -How many more seconds before her spine is potentially crushed? She has no idea, the world is spinning with no sense of gravity to keep her upright. Her vision blares with vertigo with the force of the vulture's swooping until she's dropped to the ground. Bloody green and unmoving.-

REDGLARE: -She's hauling her, but it's slow, and then SUDDENLY she comes to see how badly Nyalah is bleeding. She lets out a curse-- screams it, in fact! And points to her.- GR4B H3R. Th1s 1s too m4ny c4su4lt13s 4lr34dy!

DAVE: -still in the process of trying to move terezi-

DAVE: -GIRL I SWEAR!!!-

DAELOS: -DOOF. SNOW SPLATTERS EVERYWHERE AGAIN. He barely notices his fingers, the sight of Nyalah's blood makes him far too angry to care. He drags himself to his feet, teeth bared at the bird still circling. But rather than attacking again, he LIFTS Nyalah and swipes her safely into his syalldex, doing his best to limp after the rest of the party.-

KARKAT: =HUPS Terezi tbh to book it=

TEREZI: =the screaming jarred her out of her trance and she was stumbling alongside Dave, ducking under the swooping lusus=

TEREZI: =oh Karkat thank you=

DAVE: -THANK YOU KARKAT YOU BEAUTIFUL STRONG SOUL-

NYALAH: -locked into a sylladex but there sure is a nasty amount of green on Daelos's hands.-

DAVE: -he's holding up the rear with his sword out still-

REDGLARE: -THAT'S!!! PRETTY SWELL!!!-

[[ Unfortunately for Redglare. It's her turn. The talons are out, headed right for her. ]]

ARANEA: -slowly getting her breath back, she squirms a little on redglare's shoulder- Hhhhhh--!

ARANEA: -THERE IT IS AGAIN- AAAAH!

REDGLARE: -stumbles a little as she tries to run. OR. Well. Ok. That's not gonna work all that well. She just flings Aranea forward as the thing comes for her.-

ARANEA: -OW screaming hurts-

DAELOS: -TRIES TO CATCH HER-

ARANEA: -GETTING THROWN ALSO HURTS-

ARANEA: -internally screaming WHAT IS HAPPENING?-

DAELOS: -OF COURSE HES' BASICALLY FALLING OVER HIMSELF IN THE LEAST COORDINATED MANNER POSSIBLE, BUT HE'S STILL GOING TO TRY.-

DAVE: -runs toward the bird like he's trying to distract it by stabbing where he can reach if/when it reaches the ground-

DAVE: -he's trying his hardest here-

[[ Redglare's stumble at attempting to get Aranea out of the way set the vulture's aim off, and she was only able to graze the side of her head, slicing open her ear with only one of her immense claws. ]]

ARANEA: -SWEET CATCH, DAELOS- HORK.

REDGLARE: -she staggers and falls as her blood spills out from the slice, tumbling into a roll and retrieving her staff, whipping around even as her hearing rapidly becomes muffled with teal liquid and hurling it like a javelin towards the vulture's neck.-

[[ Dave can try his hardest, but the plumage is like armor. Like Nyalah, he will not be able to go very deep. ]]

DAELOS: : -TUCKS HER UNDER HIS ARM AND BREAKS FOR THE SHELTER OF THE TREES. He's not going very fast, though.-

ARANEA: -WHEEZE- WH8T THE H8LL IS THIS?

ARANEA: -as far as she knows GIANT FUCKING BIRDS are not native to the americas, or ANYWHERE ON EARTH-

DAELOS: I have not the slightest -wheeze- idea

DAELOS: -Nyalah is bleeding out. All he wants is to get them to safety so he can look after their wounds.-

DAVE: -DAMNIT!!! he's not going to leave redglare here either. NOBODY IS GETTING LEFT BEHIND. not even him, if he can help it. he pulls his sword back out and backs up, yelling- its got weird fucking armor skin or something we gotta go into the trees

[[ Redglare's javelin throw made a prime arch through the sky, but as the bird ascended, the staff descended. It makes a plop in the snow]]

TEREZI: =She's finally snapped out of it once and for all and is trying her damndest to lug Redglare to her feet=

REDGLARE: -LUG YOUR OWN DANG SELF. She grunts as she lifted, snatching for her staff as they hurry towards the trees.-

DAVE: -runs after them-

TEREZI: =sprinting like the wind=

MINDFANG: -Shes helping to hold up the back as the group makes the mad scramble for the trees. Giant birds what the actual fuck, FUCK earth and the hell rock its become.-

DAVE: -we got this mindfang. me and big pirate spider chick-

DAVE: -caboosin-

MINDFANG: -Swords crew. Thats them.-

DAVE: -also known as me and big pirate spider chick-

DAVE: -the moive-

KARKAT: =He has sickles guys, can he be apart of your cool club?=

DAVE: -ur always a part of my club...in my heart.....-

KARKAT: =Bro.....=

MINDFANG: -Stop being gross and romantic while they are fleeing for their lives.-

KARKAT: =No.=

DAVE: -never-

MINDFANG: -Disgusting.-

[[ HERE ME COMES! The vulture is at it again, it swoops in, knocking several people down as she does. Latula is sent crashing down with a blow to her knees, Mituna's elbow is pummeled into next week, Mindfang is struck with the blow sending her face first into the trunk of a fallen log, and Terezi's hand is grazed with a peck of a beak. However, it's primary targets are still in sight. Talon's extended, it has both Dave and Karkat in it's claws within the blink of an eye. They are dragged through the snow for several feet before they begin their ascension. ]]

ARANEA: -watches all this happen from daelos' arms and lets out a yelp in horror.-

LATULA: -she is knocked the heck down, eyes wide as AWAY THEY SEEM TO GO-

LATULA: SH1T????

DAELOS: -He finally gets to the protection of the trees, breathing hard and setting Aranea down as gently as he can. He uncaptchas Nyalah, watching all hell break loose behind him. He's got green all over his hands and it's seeping into the snow. He also brings out his tool box, clawing for the remaining shop towels and pressing them to the wound. -

DAELOS: Aranea, I know you are hurt my deer, but please press these down for her

DAELOS: I must go assist

DAVE: -he's never felt snow forced up his nose before but now he knows before he has a chance to register what's going on. he has to hold onto his sword no matter what happens, has to push it through the snow so when they ascend he still has it. he gasps, these talons HURTING LIKE HELL in his skin and he makes himself aware of what's happening. he's going to try to swing his sword up against the talons, even if it didn't work before-

KARKAT: FUCKFUCKFUCKFUC--!! =There he goes, he is going to try and BREAK this bird's TOE.... after the vertigo passes=

ARANEA: Wha-- I... -right, yes. she whips her attention back at nyalah. oh god... she does as she's asked, but in the process, tries to focus enough of her thoughts and attention on repairing this wound herself.-

TEREZI: =screeches about as loud as the bird. Her hand has deep lacerations but that doesn't seem to be her priority right now=

DAELOS: -He's already limping RIGHT BACK into the fray before she even answers, summoning his hammer back into his hand. He's going rgiht for the bird-.

[[ CLANK CLANG! Is the sound Dave's sword makes against these talons, just about as strong as swords themselves. ]]

MINDFANG: -She is sent flying by the attack and with the shitiest luck imaginable she collides with a tree instead of snow. She is dazed as fuck as she rolls over the log and it takes several moments for her to even regain a sense of what is happening. First thing that registers is the smell of blood gushing from her nose and a gash across her cheek from the rough bark of the log.- (Son of a 8i--)

MINDFANG: -She can lick her wounds later, shes grabbing her sword again and back up on her feet, albeit still a bit clumsy like. She hit hard, and the dizziness hasnt fully subsided yet.-

[[ The bird is going right for the sky, climbing higher and higher until it passes out of sight into the clouds. ]]

DAVE: -he looks at the other talon just to assess if THROWING the sword would do anything...and then he sees karkat. OH FUCK THEYRE GOIN REALLY HIGH. stay calm stay calm stay calm it's not over yet-

VULTURE LUSUS: =is that so?= eue

DAVE: -IT'S NOT OVER YET VULTURE!!!!-

NYALAH: -eyes are glazed and her breath is shallow. The shock her innards are taking, coupled with the blood loss is bringing very little response out of her. She struggles, the blood leaking from the terrible gash in her side might actually be subsiding with Aranea's magic.-

TEREZI: =Over by Aranea and Nyalah, trying to be useful.=

DAELOS: -By the time he gets there , the bird is already gone. He's panting and his hair is everywhere fingers bleeding. He takes a moment to unleash a string of TERRIBLE CURSES- Gosh darn it, of all the lilly livered, yellow bellied, mangy pigeons!

KARKAT: =WELP. Now he doesn't want t break any toes...... trying to think quickly... uh........ UHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!=

MINDFANG: -Shes also regrouping with the others, keeping her eye out for the return of the bird....or the dropping of bodies.-

DAELOS: --TIME TO GO BACK. To look after the people he cares most about in the world.-

DAELOS: -LIMPING....AGAIN....-

ARANEA: -it damn well better be!! she's struggling to concentrate, to offer the kind of enlightenment necessary to repair nyalah fully, but she should at least be able to stop the bleeding.- Come on...

VULTURE LUSUS: eue =bye bye now=

VULTURE LUSUS: =DROPS THEM=

NYALAH: -stops moving, collapsing in a faint all together. Her pulse still works, however. If faintly.-

KARKAT: =OF COURSE=

DAVE: -FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!-

KARKAT: =REACHES for Dave=

VULTURE LUSUS: =It's flying off now, calling again in it's sharp, predatory cry.=

DAELOS: -pauses as Karkat and Dave FALling presumably to their deaths.-

DAVE: -reaches for karkat-

KARKAT: =We were sky high bro, we're v boned=

DAVE: -GRABS ONTO KARKAT-

KARKAT: =Grabs the hand and CLINGS to Dave uhhhhhhhh TREES? Trees. Trees.......UGHHHHHHHH TRIES to grab something or at least hopefulyl they fall in slush. Either way he's more dense so he's taking the brunt of the fall. This is what happens when you're a twig Dave. Also they're still falling=

KARKAT: =They were above the clouds, so probably still falling?=

DAVE: -probably still falling-

DAVE: -HIS STOMACH IS LURCHING FORWARD BUT HE IS TRYING SO HARD TO FOCUS-

TEREZI: OAO

KARKAT: =Don't vomit on him=

TEREZI: =she cant even comment on what she's witnessing=

DAELOS: -he's going to TRY HIS BEST to get to them in time to catch them. He is hilariously ill equipped for all this.-

DAELOS: -ALL THE EFFORT!!!-

DAVE: -while in the air- LOVE YOU BRO

DAELOS: -STRONG EFFORT!-

KARKAT: =They're gonna bite it on a sweaty horse, also he's probably tearing up= LOVE YOU TOO AND FUCK YOU YOU'RE NOT DYING HERE. SORRY! =Let him be your cushion=

DAELOS: -DOOF. WELL HE DOES CATCH THEM. BUT IT SENDS THEM ALL THREE FLYING INTO THE SNOW IN A HEAP THAT SENDS A SPRAY OF SNOW FLYING EVERYWHERE AND MAKES THE GROUND SHUDDER.

[[ Daelos reaches them, miraculously, cushioning their fall in rippling biceps and pecs.]]

DAELOS: -That's being very generous. Sure, he has them but the're covered in a layer of fat.-

DAVE: -thankfully while in the air dave put his sword into his strife...modus....i don't even remember what it is anymore-

DAVE: -OR A SYLLADEX-

DAELOS: -fucking rip-

DAELOS: @__@ -momentarily stunned-

[[ Narration was being generous. ]]

KARKAT: =He would've preferred dying..... nothing better flex against him=

[[ RIPPLING CHUB SAVES THE DAY ONCE AGAIN. No but really-- Daelos helps cushion the fall, but so does Karkat, and he'll find himself being caught and landing with his arm under him, most of the stress of the fall going onto it. It's gonna hurt. So is Dave's back when he jolts similarly. ]]

KARKAT: =spongebob fish voice: MY LEG ARM=

TEREZI: =sending snow flying as she rushes to the people pile=

DAVE: -he's. alive. his heart is racing but he is alive and his BACK FUCKIN HURTS-

DAVE: -he's still gonna push himself up almost immediately. GOTTA STAY UPRIGHT GOTTA and gotta check on karkat and daelos too-

TEREZI: HOLY FUCK1NG....=WHEEZE= SH1T!! 4R3 YOU GUYS OK4Y???

MINDFANG: -Yikes, that looked all kinds of painful. She remains here though to guard the wounded.-

MINDFANG: -And also turn her head to spit out blue blood into the snow, her face is still gushing fluids.-

ARANEA: -gets onto her feet quickly, frantic, but she doesn't want to leave nyalah...-

KARKAT: =Dave you jackass, he also starts to move though. Checking on Daelos= WE'RE ALIVE..... SO THAT'S SOMETHING. =His arm hurts though=

DAELOS: -SQUISHED and momentarily out of breath...and his face is in the snow. But otherwise fine.-

[[ The vulture appears to have flown away. For now. ]]

TEREZI: =she's glancing up at the sky again and it's only then that the pain starts to set in her hand.=

TEREZI: W3 H4V3 TO G3T OUT OF H3R3

TEREZI: =she turned to the rest of them, yelling=

TEREZI: W3 H4V3 TO MOV3!!!

TEREZI: L1K3 R1GHT NOW!!

NYALAH: -regardless of what Terezi says, Nyalah is definitely not moving.-

DAELOS: -Limping even slower than before- he's exhausted. But he makes it to Nyalah and Aranea eventually.- You really should rest, my deer

DAELOS: You are still injured

REDGLARE: Wh3r3 4r3 w3 go1ng to go? 4nd wh4t do you know 4bout th4t th1ng?

MINDFANG: -Nyalah motivate yourself, rise above your likely lethal injuries.-

DAELOS: -Bends down next to Nyalah, relieved when he sees that the gash is on it's way to being healed-

DAELOS: Thank God...

DAELOS: Are we not safe enough for now? I must help tend to her

DAVE: -dave has back problems at 23 or 24 or however old he is cuz i keep forgetting.- id say thanks daelos but -winces- i dont think thats enough

DAVE: -helps karkat up with his good arm if he hasn't moved upright yet- oh my god

MINDFANG: I dislike parroting, 8ut I agree with Terezi.

MINDFANG: It did not feed on any of us when it had the chance. Most likely this is territorial.

MINDFANG: Meaning, I dont think it has given up--HRGK -Coughs and hacks gobs of blood. Jesus at least its thickening.-

KARKAT: I'M NOT SO FUCKING SURE ABOUT THAT I'M SURE THIS IS THE SAME FUCKING THING WE HEARD SQUARKING OMNIOUSLY IN THE GODDAMN DISTANCE WHILE WE SKIPPED OUR ASSES DOWN THE RIVER.

KARKAT: =Oh... she's coughing up blood.= ALRIGHT WE NEED TO GET MOVING AND WE CAN LICK OUR WOUND WHEN WE HIT SHELTER

DAELOS: We must delay at least moment then -Shuffles through his tool box and finds....a sort of staple gun.- This will help keep her wounds sealed as we travel

TEREZI: =why arent they moving?? She grabs her hair, a little frantically=

TEREZI: TH4TS NOT F4M1L14R TO YOU??? 3V3N 4 L1TTL3???

TEREZI: YOU GUYS, TH4TS TH3 3XPUNG3RS LUSUS!!!

TEREZI: W3 H4V3 TO MOV3!

DAELOS: You may go on if you like

DAELOS: If I do not help her, then she might not survive the journey

DAVE: the what

DAVE: a plungers lusus

DAELOS: -STUBBORN-

KARKAT: =He makes a face.... not really liking that but.... he nods then STARES at Terezi= WE..... FUCK. OKAY. WE CAN'T SEPARATE BUT WE'RE ALSO NOT LEAVING ANYONE. AFTER THIS WE'RE KICKING IT INTO HIGH GEAR. I PROMISE.

TEREZI: =she looks absolutely terrified=

TEREZI: =if that's any consolation=

DAVE: -he's definitely never seen her look like that before...-

DAELOS: -He tries to work quickly, laying the staples down. It's a temporary fix. He's no medicarver but he has more than a cursory knowledge of this sort of thing from his biotechnological endeavors.-

NYALAH: -definitely still unconscious and noodle cat in the snow. Doesn't even stir as Daelos practically staples her side closed.-

REDGLARE: -she pauses... looking out into the distance, towards the sky.-

TEREZI: =she keeps glancing over her shoulder, tears actually starting to well up in her eyes.= TEREZI: SH3S CLOS3, SH3 H4S TO B3 CLOS3

DAELOS: -As soon as he's done, he wipes his bloody hands on his apron and captchalogues everything, including Nyalah-

NYALAH: -anyway bye.-

MINDFANG: Then perhaps minimize using your voice. -She hisses at Terezi. If they are forced to stand here there is no reason to attract attention.-

DAELOS: -And LIFTS Aranea bridal style. He might be slow, but she's in no condition to be walking.-

KARKAT: =Walks to Terezi and holds her face in his hands= WE'LL. BE. FINE. NOW LET'S MOVE. =Grabs her hand with his good arm and BOOKS IT=

ARANEA: -HOIST-

TEREZI: WH4TS TH3 PO1NT!! SH3 4LR34DY KNOWS W3'R3 H3R3!!

TEREZI: PROB4BLY!!

ARANEA: -seems a little indignant about it, but now that there's no immediate threats happening she's focused on the pain again. hrrngg.-

MINDFANG: -HERE WE GO AGAIN. Thank god. Shes taking up the rear again, considering asides from her face getting smashed up shes pretty uninjured.-

TEREZI: =she calms, that is to say only stops yelling, once Karkat holds her face. He can feel she's shaking from head to food=

TEREZI: =FOOT ALSO=

DAELOS: Where does it hurt, deerheart? -At least if he focuses on Aranea, he won't have to think about the giant murderbeast sweeping down into the trees to kill them all.-

DAELOS: -Trot trot trot-

KARKAT: =He knows she's terrified..... but they're not giving up. He's not letting her give up. Scans for some kind of.... advantage point.... there were rocky cliffsides... where are those? Also thick trees. They should head for that=

REDGLARE: -She grints her teeth, quiet as she begins to move. Pacing. This is bad. They're being hunted. Toyed with, probably. It's the only explanation that makes sense. Especially if... that woman is involved.-

ARANEA: ... All of-- this. -gestures at her front, wincing. she imagines there's quite an ugly bruise on her skin and insides.-

DAELOS: -Rumbly purr of concern. He can't do much to help right now besides that.-

REDGLARE: W3 won't b3 4bl3 to run for long. Not w1th th1s m4ny wound3d.

DAELOS: -Oh please don't talk like that. He's close to simply buckling over from exhaustion and running on sheer WILLPOWER at this point.-

[[ It begins with a slight nudge and only those with any semblance of ability from denizen-given to those they were hatched with will begin to feel something is really really wrong with them. It is as though their powers are slowly being sapped, stolen, draining from them until there is nothing left. And they are left with feeling quite ordinary. ]]

[[ What comes next is a feeling of happiness. Everyone's feeling it, despite the condition they're in. Joyful. Ecstatic. It's great to be together, isn't it? But then, the happiness is so much that it is debilitating. Everyone is finding it impossible to go anywhere, possibly to move at all. You're so happy. Everyone's happy. It's almost like you're being tickled in a way, where it makes you laugh but you can't do anything about it ]]

LATULA; -she is the first to succumb to laughing. Cause FUCK DUDE. her sense of panic is only a step away from delirious cackling, too.-

LATULA: h4h4h4h4h4h4h4h4 FUCK!!!!!!!!

[[ It should be safety, but the spread of trees before them that promised a reprieve delivers anything but. One by one, they'll see figures emerging from amongst them, dressed in Alternian uniform with proudly displayed high caste blood colors and signs. The air might smell foreboding, if it weren't so damn EUPHORIC. ]]

DAELOS: -STILL HOLDING ARANEA CLOSE TO HIS BOSOM AND HYSTERICALLY CHORTLING, BOOMING DEEP LAUGHTER-

KARKAT: =He's laughing and inexplicably happy and its the worst thing=

MINDFANG: -Oh yes, something feels wrong indeed, at first she thought it was some of that residual dizziness still mulling around in her skull but no. Its much worse then that. How to explain what it felt like to have her inherited mental abilities? Well for her it had always felt like an weight, an extension of her mind or thinking patterns. Something near undetectable when she had it but now that she no longer felt the weight of her abilities it was shockingly apparent, to the point where she skids on her heels for a brief moment while she tries to clamber for any small sense of her mind-control abilities left. And when she can't its almost hilarious.-

MINDFANG: -Like actually a riot, its so painfully funny she cant stop the first small giggle bubbling up her throat.-

DAVE: -he's literally on his knees laughing. man. this is so great. being here. is so great. it's so great. it's so-

REDGLARE: -she falls on her side-- still kinda bleeding out of the head. ear definitely still fucked up. ALSO, LAUGHING.-

MINDFANG: -Look at all of us laughing guys, this is hilarious, she needs to take a knee.-

TEREZI: =a smile flickered against her lips and she briefly showed teeth before slapping herself across the face=

TEREZI: NO!

DAVE: -so happy so happy so happy so happy so happy so-

KARKAT: =slap me too=

TEREZI: =a cackle escaped and she barely managed a,= RUN!! =before she began to giggle=

TEREZI: =she slaps him a good one.=

TEREZI: H3H3H3 SORRY D4RL1NG!

KARKAT: =SMACK.......wait will that work? Or is it just hilarious?=

DAVE: but terezi hahahaha DAVE: im enjoying the moment DAVE: so much -wait what-

DAVE: -why is he feeling like this something inside him is sceaming-

TEREZI: =her face is contorted in a smile, but her voice is nearly deranged in its fear= D4V3 F1GHT 1T!!

PURSUANT SEAKRAIT: -In high purple and black -- the uniform of a dignified legislacerator -- she approaches as well, an axe in hand and chin held high. She looks down on the crowd, her gaze lingering on Terezi for a few moments before passing on to the next face.-

PURSUANT SEAKRAIT: In the name of His Honorable Tyranny, may you be judged.

TEREZI: 3V3RYON3, SN4P OUT OF 1T!!

REDGLARE: -She gasps for breath, clutching her sides.-

MINDFANG: Ahahehe-- -Augh Terezi freaking out like that sure is doing a great deal to harsh her jolly vibe here. Enough so that she can straighten back up onto her feet, but shes still teary eyed from the strange giddiness keeping that large smile on her face.-

TEREZI: FUC-- =she whirled to face the legislacerator and "k you" never followed. She only stared as the legislacerator passed, shocked. It's enough to get her to start laughing again.=

KARKAT: =It's hard to.... who the fuck is this tool. She's HILARIOUS=

REDGLARE: -She takes in a deep breath... between laughs. Still clutching herself-- before springing, launching her staff at the woman in purple and black.-

REDGLARE: H4

REDGLARE: H4

REDGLARE: H4!

TEREZI: DONT! =who is she addressing? who knows actually=

TEREZI: H3H3H3

SEAKRAIT: -She flips her axe around in hand in one quick motion, their weapons clanging before she flips up the heel of the axe, aiming a hard strike at Redglare's chin.-

DAELOS: -He was barely holding it together before, but now he's simply on his knees in the snow, stil cradling Aranea in his arms.-

EUPHORIA: -he comes into view as well. he's dressed in something more regal than the fellow legislacerators, signifying a Judicator role. he's obviously alert, and like the others, not laughing- I t w ould b enefit y ou t o c ooperate. O r p erhaps i t w on't m ake a ny d ifference a t a ll.

REDGLARE: - her chin is split by the strike, and she staggers as though drunk-- flecks of blood on her uniform and the snow. But apparently, getting hurt is something to focus on aside from how goddamned hilarious this all is. Her knees are bent and she's still staggering, sucking in breath through her nose as she snorts out several weak laughs.- REDGLARE: 1.

REDGLARE: W1ll k1ll you both.

REDGLARE: You 4r3 go1ng to d13 ton1ght. -HEE HEE HEE.-

MINDFANG: -HAH. Its even more hilarious to see Redglare fail like that, as well as extremely concerning!-

MINDFANG: -Shes lifting her sword up when Euphoria joins their party out in the snow.-

MINDFANG: -She points it at him and laughs like its the funniest thing shes ever seen.-

PARASITE LAMPETRA: =He too emerged from the shadows, dressed in an array of dark blues. Another legislacerator. Behind him come the rest, fully encircling the group.=

KARKAT: =And then there's THIS fuckin guy!=

EUPHORIA: -at the movement of the sword...mindfang will feel even stronger. which is definitely a more painful kind of joy-

SEAKRAIT: You should rein that in before she gets here. She doesn't take kindly to insubordination. -She sounds cold, but tired.-

REDGLARE: -JUMPS AT HER AGAIN WITH A RIGHT HOOK ANYWAYS-

TEREZI: =she laughed again, but in attempts to stop, she began digging her claws into her injured hand, trying to redirect some of this and retain her sanity.=

TEREZI: =She took out her cane and turned away from the one addressing Redglare towards the legislacerators on the other side. She could smell the river from here... Maybe.=

MINDFANG: -God its all so funny her insides hurt hahah! Her sword hand shakes but it stays up with will power, while her other arm snakes around her middle, her sides hurt from all this humor.- MINDFANG: I reh-reaally h8 8ureaucratic, str8 nosed, legislacerators, hahah!

EUPHORIA: T hink o f w hat y ou a re f eeling r ight n ow a s a m ercy. I t w ill m ake i t e asier to c ontrol y ourselves and not c ause a s cene.

KARKAT: HAHAHAHAHA MORE LIKEHEHE, YOU'RE TOO. CLUCKBEAST SHIT TO NOT PULL TRICKS!! HAHAHAHA! =FUCK yOU ALL you amazing shitassholes=

MINDFANG: Ffff-hahah, fuck off. -Watch her absolutely throw her sword right at this big talking troll's face with the speed and power of her robotic limb. She has more where this one came from. Eat it Euphoria-

SEAKRAIT: -She's a few shades too high on the hemospectrum, trained, and far less hindered than Redglare currently; she smacks away the strike not unlike she had with the cane, one-armed, and then her axe hand slashes low, cutting open one of Redglare's legs just below the knee.-

EUPHORIA: -manages to step aside the moment she throws it. mindfang will now be feeling unlike the others. instead of happiness. doubt. failure. doubt. failure.-

KARKAT: =MAN GIVE HIM SOME OF THAT, HE LIVES IT=

REDGLARE: -She goes down, this time. Pretty hard. The ground is cold and she's still laughing even as blood gushes out of her thigh.-

MINDFANG: -Shes already ripping her second sword from her sylladex when the sharp change of mood sets in. And its pretty crushing, a combination of feels she has not felt in some very many sweeps. Whats even the point of using the new sword she now has, shes just going to fuck it up like she just missed him.-

SEAKRAIT: -She steps back, watching teal leak out into the snow, watching it turn into turquoise slush.-

TEREZI: NO...H3H3H3H3 NO....PL34S3 H3H3H3H3H3H3H3H3H3H3!

MINDFANG: -At the very least she isnt cackling and can feel how tight of a situation this is.-

PARASITE LAMPETRA: =Towering over mostly everyone, he took a step forward and seized Dave by the hair, dragging him out of the UU's confined circle into the larger one created by the legislacerators. In seconds, a shield almost as big as he was appeared in his hands. With one flick of his wrist, it became bladed upon the sides. He placed one of these blades against Dave's throat.=

PARASITE LAMPETRA: You would do well to Heed Her warning.

REDGLARE: -she slumps against the ground, breath short.-

EUPHORIA: -that's the spirit, mindfang-

DAELOS: We...-CHORTLING, GUFFAWING- surrender! Please do not hurt our companions ...f....HAHAHAHA further

KARKAT: =NO.=

PARASITE LAMPETRA: Relieve yourselves of any weapons, or face the consequences later.

DAVE: -NOT THE HAIR. oh well. he's too happy to care. until he's struck with a fear so strong it can't come from him alone. shit. shit shit shit.-

REDGLARE: -SHE TRIED TO SURRENDER HERS ITS NOT HER FAULT SHE DIDNT CATCH IT WITH HER FACe-

LATULA: -Just sorta. DUMPS HER THINGS. A gun. A bigger gun. A couple of billy clubs and stuff...-

KARKAT: =GRowl LAUGHS groOWL, he dumps his sickles on the ground by his knees. Starting this one motherfucker in the eyes=

DAVE: -he's terrified to move, even with his sword on him-

LATULA: dud3 just!!! just TAK3 3M!!!! wh3n th3 fuck h4s th1s sh1t 3v3r m4d3 4 d1ffz!!!!

DAELOS: -WRESTLES WITH HIMSELF FOR A MOMENT. Should he uncaptchalogue Nyalah or not?-

DAELOS: -Does she count as a weapon. He doesn't want to make it more likely that she is hurt.-

PARASITE LAMPETRA: =He ignores the looks as well as the comments. Rude. Speaking out of turn. He slowly edged the blade into Dave's throat. It is certainly drawing blood.=

MINDFANG: -You couldnt have told her this before she drew out her only other blade?? Like damn now its not even a surprise.-

MINDFANG: -She sure as hell is hesitant to drop her weapon despite there being a hostage situation.-

MINDFANG: -All the same the point of it is being buried in the snow where she leaves it there.-

DAELOS: -He holds on to her for now, and simply relinquishes his hammer.-

MINDFANG: -Is she still feeling doubt and failure by force? Because if not she will feel like a failure on her own for actually dropping her sword to save dave of all people. What a disappointment.-

DAVE: -sharp inhale in as he feels the pain of the blade against his throat. no. this can't happen. not now. it can't. happen. now.-

EUPHORIA: -yes mindfang u are-

MINDFANG: -Damn 8888( -

PARASITE LAMPETRA: =he nudged Dave, pressing the blade in a little harder. Red now runs down the edge, though he is not doing permanent, debilitating damage to any major veins or arteries.=

PARASITE LAMPETRA: Don't tell me the squishy, Helpless Human goes unarmed. Your weapon. On the ground with the rest.

TEREZI: =She looks torn from being a goddamn coward and trying to run away or actually doing as they say. She throws her cane into the growing pile.= >8[ =Furious.= h3h3

SEAKRAIT: -twirls her axe and moves to kick the various weapons away from the group before joining Lampetra at his side.-

KARKAT: =a growl builds in his throat watching this, helplessly. Fists balled tight. Leave dave's wrigglerfat alone...=

DAVE: -he's shaking. but what scares him most is letting this happen to him. he's not going to be a victim. if he calculates correctly...he thinks... he might be able to pull this off. he just might-

KARKAT: =dave.........=

DAVE: -so with one swift move he empties his sword comes out, but he has learned to progress through fear. it can't be something that stops him. it won't be. and in that case he attempts to slash the arms of the two people next to him, if he can reach them. just get this blade OUT of his NECK PLEASE-

PARASITE LAMPETRA: =The blade does move from Dave's neck, and so does the entire shield, in fact, blocking both attempts at Dave striking his target.=

[[ The size of the shield prevents Dave from doing his intended damage, but he has succeeded in no longer being a hostage. He is free. ]]

KARKAT: =Cries about his rail but also move you glorious asshole=

SEAKRAIT: -But not for long. She rotates around Lampetra with practiced grace, smacking Dave across the back with the flat of her blade. She would have gotten a homerun, had this been human baseball, but as we all know, that was unfortunately outlawed.-

KARKAT: =YOU BINCH=

DAELOS: -He doesn't want to laugh, but he's helpless to stop it, even through his horror.-

DAVE: -he was so close. so close. on top of an already hurt back, this just makes him fall over., the wind knocked out of him. AND HE IS GONNA TRY TO ROLL OVER AND FIGHT. EAT MY SWORD-

MINDFANG: -She was briefly impressed with you, Dave. But at least she isnt laughing at you like the rest.-

LAMPETRA: =His shield dropped as Lampetra blocked Dave's advances once again.= Persistant little termite, aren't you?

MITUNA: -Laying face down in the ground grinning like a fucking idiot while holding his arm. This is it lads. The moment he's wanted forever.-

DAVE: -I AM A TERMITE WHO IS GOING TO KICK YOUR ASS. he has to get on his somehow and his back is screaming with pain. he uses sheer willpower to attempt to straight up jump to being on his feet, sword in hand- fuck you

LAMPETRA: No thanks. =Bonks Dave HARD upside the head with his shield=

LAMPETRA: =towards the rest of the legislacerators= The rest of you! Put the others on their knees and tie them up! Is that too much to ask?!

TEREZI: =She laughing softly through her tears. It's so great, seeing this.=

DAVE: -OH SHIT THAT WAS..THAT WAS REALLY HARD. and before he knows it he's ont he ground again. GOTTA HOLD ONTO THE SWORD. jesus he's dizzy. barely registering what's going on.- no -still trying to get up-

DAVE: -WHERE IS UP-

SEAKRAIT: -Steps right on Dave's wrist, reaching down to pry the sword away from him.-

DAVE: -he yells out in pain, that definitely loosening his grip. still struggling. hes a pokemon who ran out of moves-

EUPHORIA: -directs the other legislacerators to do just that. euphoria's been calculating and only increasing what everyone is feeling. what is the emotion that's hardest for you to work through? chances are you're feeling that now intensely.-

MITUNA: -Surprise bitch all emotions are hard to work through-

REDGLARE: -MOST OF THEM. iit's a pretty suitable distraction from how puffy and swolen the gash on her leg is. She can't really sit up easily on her own.-

EUPHORIA: -then you sir are feeling all of them at once. combo meal-

KARKAT: =There are a lot, so, as usual, he's laying here with a bunch of feelings=

[[ Once Dave has been subdued, the crowd begins to move in on the trapped group as Euphoria give the cue. The bonds are not rope, as what is normally used with the legislacerators. These are cuffs made from biotech, similar to the technology that keeps Helmsmen in check. Once attached everyone will have the not-so-pleasant sensation of miniature biowires slowly feeding into their wrists, digging into their skin. ]]

[That gash of Redglare's is definitely stinging more than it should reasonably be. There might be something wrong with that axe blade.]

KARKAT: =MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNO=

REDGLARE: -Oh... hey. Spots in the corners of her vision. Neat...-

TEREZI: =She has long since stopped shaking. Her focus is to do as they say, facing the ground. She only flinched a little as the cuffs were attached.=

[[ That's no way for a former legislacerator to sit. Redglare is forced up to her knees anyway. ]]

MINDFANG: -EUGH, That is a disgusting feeling. She strains against the cuffs, twisting her wrists in them to try and stave off the burrowing, but its hard to keep fighting when every moment onward is just and endless feeling of useless sense of failure. She hopes the biowires are getting fucked on the metal plating of her bionic arm.-

MITUNA: -Screams in anguish as his arm is moved to be cuffed. Every nerve ending is ON FIRE-

DAELOS: -Releases a low hiss through his teeth. As he was outfitted with these biowires, he's forced to release Aranea, and that triggers a last bit of fight in him, throwing back attempts to cuff him with his considerable weight.-

[[ Not too far away, the canopy is crushed in. The forest floor becomes littered with broken branches and pine needles, and shortly after a lusus lands upon the ground, the same cry they've heard is screamed in their faces. The vulture flapped it's enormous wings then bowed to the ground, close enough to where a figure is seen hopping off.]]

DAVE: -he hears all of this and still struggles to get away somehow. he can't see very well due to blurred vision but still trying to move-

THE EXPUNGER: =Eyes Daelos flatly= Why iS it that my own legiSlaceratorS cannot do thiS one Simple thing? ReStrain them, I Said. We've got it, they Said.

MITUNA: -Falls forward onto the ground, whimpering. Fuck this, fuck this, fuck this.-

TEREZI: =nope, she's shaking again=

THE EXPUNGER: =her heavy footfalls sink into the snow, she is built like a tank with the height to match.=

THE EXPUNGER: =to Daelos= IS it too much of me to aSk you to Sit back down and have the cuffS applied like a good fly caught in the web?

MINDFANG: -Who do you think you are making web puns, bitch.-

SEAKRAIT: -She's standing alert now, eyes darting around at the small crowd of those captured and kicking Dave one good time to encourage him to also stop moving.-

THE EXPUNGER: =The High Legislacerator, obviously. And who are you? Failed pirate queen. You're one to talk.=

DAELOS: Yes -She certainly is intimidating, but his blood is up and he's far too angry and exhausted to be afraid. He might be smiling, but it's forced and frozen.-

LAMPETRA: =though he is actually taller than the Expunger, he bowed his head as she passed=

DAVE: -the kicking HURTS it makes his eyes water. da's do not give up apparently. THERES STILL SOME FIGHT LEFT-

MINDFANG: -WHO YOU CALLING FAILED??? No amount of terriblness she is feeling now will make her feel any less then a pirate queen.-

DAELOS: I suppose it is. -And with that he charges the legiscerator closest to him. He has no weapon, but if his arms manage to connect a blow.-

DAELOS: -He hopes it will crunch whatever is in it's path-

THE EXPUNGER: =she smiled too, and no one had to force her= IS thiS truly your choice?

THE EXPUNGER: DaeloS Zahhak?

EUPHORIA: -he too is bowing his head when she passes before resuming getting all the legislacerators and the now captured moving-

DAELOS: -His snarl should be answer enough.-

THE EXPUNGER: =Stands her ground=

THE EXPUNGER: =In response, he is immediately thrown into a terrible scene where the rebellion lies in ruin and the people he has come to care for brutally slain. Alternia has conquered the universe. It is too vivid, the remorse too real. He has failed in every sense of the word.=

DAELOS: -Once his body gets moving- it's slow and large rather like a train it's not very easy to stop it. His charge doesn't stop, even though his mind has gone absoloutely elsewhere- launched into the hellscape she just created for him.-

THE EXPUNGER: =in one calm movement, she backhands him powerfully across the face. It certainly too hard to be flesh.=

DAELOS: -It doesn't do much damage at all, in fact it simply bounces off. Too STRONG. However, his eyes go blank, absorbed in the crushingly real fantasy.-

DAELOS: -And just like that, he's subdued-

THE EXPUNGER: =sidesteps away from him, gesturing at his form, her lip curling=

THE EXPUNGER: Someone deal with thiS. Put aS many cuffS on him aS you muSt.

SEAKRAIT: -SHE'LL DO THAT. She steps over, taking a cuff from someone to do just that.-

THE EXPUNGER: Too long. For too long have you avoided the conSequenceS of your actionS. Did you believe you were untouchable? PerhapS not; you’ve loSt people along the way, I hear. Even So, I don’t think you underStand that you aren’t winning thiS. I don’t think you underStand how fucked you really are right now. But don’t worry. You will.

THE EXPUNGER: Now...all of you muSt underStand. BecauSe I underStand. I underStand thiS iS a hard time for you – for all of you – So I am willing to let thiS one Slide. I have a forgiving nature.

THE EXPUNGER: Don’t I? =She turned to Seakrait and Lampetra in the crowd behind her with a stretching smile=

PARASITE LAMPETRA: =he nodded curtly, once=

THE EXPUNGER: Very good.

THE EXPUNGER: But thiS.... =Gestures at Daelos= ActionS have conSequenceS, and all muSt pay for them Someday, iSn't that right, Pyrope? =she glanced at Redglare then moved her gaze to Terezi.= And Pyrope?

REDGLARE: -Grunts, spits. She's having a hard time keeping awake.-

REDGLARE: Fuck your cons3qu3nc3s.

MINDFANG: -Its that holier then thou type of attitude that these guys have that made Arissa want to grind her teeth.-

DAVE: -his throat is still bleeding a little and his head still aches. he can't quite find his balance and keeps moving his feet around in the same place to steady it-

MINDFANG: -Jeez Dave, just stay down...-

KARKAT: =HONESTLY=

DAVE: -he's in LINE OKAY!!-

DAVE: -i mean tto write that oops-

MINDFANG: Oh please, you act like youre half surprised with non-complying prisoners.

DAVE: -it's hard to analyze who's in front of him and who's behind him and the distances and the stuff on his wrists that hurt already but are also supposed to be capable of hurting so much more-

KARKAT: =Dave you better not do something else STUPID=

DAVE: -IM THINKING OF ONE WHOEVER YOUARE I CANT REMEMBER YOUR NAME CUZ I HAVE A CONCUSSION-

THE EXPUNGER: MoSt of the time people are aware of who we are and chooSe obedience. It iS eaSier that way, you See.

THE EXPUNGER: I am SurpriSed you were not told thiS by thoSe who obviouSly know better. =she's talking to you Deserter and Deserter.=

DAVE: -my best bro...packrat...-

KARKAT: =HE WILL BITE YOU=

KARKAT: HOLY FUCK YOU LOVE LISTENING TO YOURSELF TALK.

DAVE: (oh my god stop talking)

DAVE: -moirail moment...how beautiful...-

KARKAT: DID YOU HAVE THIS WRITTEN DOWN SOMEWHERE? =so beautiful man=

DAELOS: -He's still in a dreamlike state, head bowed and eyes not really seeing anything.-

DAVE: sounds like you practiced it

DAVE: how many rehearsals did it take

KARKAT: IT'S IN A NOTEPAD IN HER BREAST POCKET SHE FLEW HER FUCKING TURKEY OVER HERE. GOING OVER THINGS.

KARKAT: SERIOUSLY, HOLY SHIT.

MINDFANG: -Snrks.-

DAVE: ok that explains dropping us from the sky

REDGLARE: -She is focusing on controlling her breathing. She's feeling TOO MANY THINGS, she's bleeding, and now she's listening to everyone sass back to someone who could very easily execute them rather summarily.-

DAVE: buying time

KARKAT: YOU NEED PREP TIME FOR YOUR MENACING MONOLOUGE.

KARKAT: THIS'LL REALLY INTIMIDATE THEM.

DAVE: this is gonna knock them off their feet

DAVE: theyll finally love me when i read this

REDGLARE: 1 know you.

REDGLARE: 1... w4s you. H4h. REDGLARE: 4 p4wn.

REDGLARE: 1t's p4th3t1c. REDGLARE: K1ll m3.

REDGLARE: Cow4rd.

REDGLARE: 1t won't ch4ng3 wh4t you 4r3.

MINDFANG: -Redglare where is your rebellious streak? Dont you know you never give in? Blood loss has made you lame.-

KARKAT: THEY'LL LOVE TO HATE ME.

DAVE: the best of both worlds

DAVE: i cant believe we met hannah montana

KARKAT: DON'T.

KARKAT: NO.

DAVE: youre too late

TEREZI: YOU GUYS, R3DGL4R3....SHHHH! =still staring at the ground, wide-eyed=

DAVE: were here

DAVE: vip backstage passes

KARKAT: I DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR THIS SHITSHOW.

MINDFANG: ........Okay now you two just sound idiotic.

MITUNA: -Genuinely laughs at Davekat, but ends up jostling his arm and hiss laughing-

DAVE: its your birthday present

DAVE: troll day

DAVE: gift

KARKAT: FITS THE SHITUATION.

KARKAT: IF YOU'RE GOING TO TALK FOR FUCKING EVER SO AM I.

MINDFANG: -How were/are these two head of a department.-

DAVE: hahaha shituasho. un. tion.

KARKAT: =QUALIFICATIONS=

DAVE: -we earned it-

MINDFANG: -If she actually dies along with these two its going to be the biggest regret of her life.-

MINDFANG: -She was briefly half enjoying it for a moment and now that moment is gone.-

MITUNA: haha holy 555555hi7

SEAKRAIT: -glances between the talking two...-

THE EXPUNGER: =She smiled and turned to her men= Have you been entirely incompetent or have you also Stripped them of their SylladexeS? Anything they can uSe to fight back? Their communicationS deviceS?

ARANEA: -REALLY DAVE????????-

DAVE: -WHAT-

DAVE: -SOMEONES GOTTA. MAKE THEM FEEL DUMB-

DAVE: -and i apparently am entirely capable of doing that.-

SEAKRAIT: Immediately, Sir.

SEAKRAIT: Sylladexes on the ground. Now.

TEREZI: =She emptied hers. Spat out onto the ground was her short shotgun, dual swords from her years with the League, and various personal items such as photographs of Sirius, her friends, quadrants, and lusus. Her digital copy of rewritten Alternian law is also among them.=

KARKAT: MY HANDS.

KARKAT: ARE BOUND.

KARKAT: YOU FUCKIN.

KARKAT: IDIOT.

DAVE: hahaha

MITUNA: hand5 are kind of occupied nookro7

KARKAT: SURE!!! LET ME USE MY THIRD ARM!

DAVE: do you want us to shake it off

DAVE: i mean that takes talent

DAVE: or taylor swift

SEAKRAIT: -twists her face pitifully. They don't even have the hands free upgrade???? These criminals suck.-

KARKAT: FUCKING..... CHRIST.

MITUNA: u5e your bulge5 guy5 5hee5h

KARKAT: IT'S TOO COLD FOR THAT SHIT HELL NO.

REDGLARE: COM3 ON. REDGLARE: NGH.

REDGLARE: You'v3 b33n try1ng to k1ll m3 my whol3 l1f3. F1rst cr1m3 w4s-- b31ng on3 of you. Do1ng my d4mn3d job w3ll.

REDGLARE: Now you'v3 got m3 corn3r3d w1th th3 pr3t3ns3 of 4 r34l cr1m3 4nd you'd r4th3r -- pl4y g4m3s.

REDGLARE: Fuck1ng p-p4th3t1c.

REDGLARE: -swaying, woozy. Hey, she dumps a bunch of shit. It's just a flask and a blanket.-

DAVE: my dick isnt as you know

DAVE: able to be substituted for a hand

DAVE: opposable

KARKAT: ....INCREDIBLE.

KARKAT: LET'S CONTINUE TALKING ABOUT OUR DICKS TO THE ENEMY.

DAVE: ok

DAVE: so my dick

KARKAT: YOU MOTHERFUCKER.

MITUNA: i go7 a 5pare ehehehe

KARKAT: OH MY GOD.

DAVE: oh yeah cuz youre one of those two guys

DAELOS: -HE WOULD BE VERY DISAPPROVING OF THIS CONVERSATION, IF HE WERE CONSCIOUS-

DAVE: everything is two

KARKAT: I REGRET THIS SOMEWHAT BUT I ALSO DON'T FUCKING CARE.

MINDFANG: -Hey so about murdering group members, can you start with the love struck idiots?-

DAVE: ok but how does two butts work

KARKAT: WOW. JUST. FUCKING CHRIST.

REDGLARE: -can you please just murder her already-

REDGLARE: -bleeding out is taking too long-

DAVE: two whole asses where do you put the second one

DAVE: thats four whole cheeks

KARKAT: THESE GODDAMN ASSHOLES THOUGH. I'VE LONG REACHED THE MOMENT WHEN I WAS DONE.

KARKAT: WAY BEFORE YOU DICKWADS HEARD ABOUT US.

MITUNA: i go7 7wo bulge5 one for 7he bi7che5 and one for 7he bi7che5

THE EXPUNGER: ThiS iS different. This is war. People die in ALL KINDs OF WAYs DURING WAR. TEREZI: =flinches=

THE EXPUNGER: I don't like how those uniformS look on them. Strip them of EVERYTHING OF VALUE!

THE EXPUNGER: =She released Daelos's mind just enough for him to have a grasp on what was going on around him. Picking someone from random from the line, she ordered Seakrait to bring them forward=

REDGLARE: 1t's 4LW4YS W4R. YOU'LL N3V3R S33 TH3 OTH3R S1D3 OF W4R.

DAELOS: -Wheezes as he comes to-

KARKAT: AND THIS IS WHY. GOD. DAMMIT.

KARKAT: YOU TALKED ABOUT DICKS AND NOW THEY'RE STRIPPING US.

KARKAT: =welcome daelos=

MINDFANG: -You guys are making it worse. Also if anyone dares try and touch her clothes or sylladex she is going to snarl and even go as far as bite. Push through the emotions forced on her.-

ARANEA: -looks at daelos, distressed and concerned.-

MITUNA: 7hey wanna 5ee em 7ha7 bad holy 5hi7

DAELOS: -Looks back at her helplessly, both enraged and relieved to see her alive, rather than the horrible images in his minds eye. He wants to do something, but there's nothing he CAN do. Then he realizes they're about to strip the sylladexes. Should he come forward with Nyalah, hoping they're less likely to hurt her? Or would that make it worse? His mind races.-

SEAKRAIT: -She obeys immediately, grabbing tight onto Mindfang's arms behind her back and pushing her forward toward the Expunger, in front of the little crowd of UU crew, and forces her back onto her knees.-

[[ The legislacerators fear the Expunger more than you, Mindfang. Sylladexes are taken and dumped out onto the ground, communication devices are taken, and unforms are cut from their bodies. ]]

THE EXPUNGER: I told you I have a forgiving nature, yet you decided not to take heed. PerhapS thiS Shall teach you to hold your tongue and inSpire Some QUIET in your rankS.

THE EXPUNGER: Seakrait! =waves an arm=

DAELOS: This is indecent -spits at them-

DAELOS: Have you no shame

DAELOS: -HE TAKES ISSUE WITH THIS-

KARKAT: =He's warm. But his gills and face fins are cold.... the little extremities= LOOK AT THEM. THEY'RE EMPIRE DOGS OF COURSE THEY DON'T.

KARKAT: NO SHAME, NO PANS, NO PERSONAL OPINIONS.

KARKAT: PUPPETS.

MINDFANG: -GOD. You couldnt have taken one of the more obnoxious members of the party?? If her sylladex is being dumped get a load of the contraband. At her feet. Lots of guns, knives, an assortment of handy explosives.-

SEAKRAIT: -She knows what this order means. There's a quick flip of her axe, and then she rears back, smacking Mindfang in the chest close to full force with the blunt side of the axe. There's a sickening crack of her sternum.-

DAELOS: -But soon he's distracted as his syalladex is dumped. He launcheds himself to his knees to try and cushion the blow for her as best he can-

DAELOS: -Her stitches are still fragile-

NYALAH: -is dumped out from Daelos's sylladex. She lays curled, unmoving.-

DAVE: -shuts up at the crack-

MINDFANG: -Also as if this frozen hellscape wasnt cold enough with clothes. Shes opening her mouth to argue, spit vile words, something but the sound of her voice comes out as a wheeze as all the air is quickly knocked from her lungs.-

DAELOS: -looks up to see this, his face grim-

MITUNA: ...

KARKAT: =Flinches but... honestly what did they expect.... this shit happens. And keeps happening but it never gets easier to watch. He seethes=

MINDFANG: -She topples with the blow and struggles to breath for several moments in the cold snow.-

EUPHORIA: -emotion change now to inferior. all captured will feel intensely inferior to the legislacerators. time to think about why you suck-

DAELOS: -His toolbox, tea packets and various contraband...substances also fall out-

DAELOS: -This is a feeling he's familiar with.-

KARKAT: =So his whole week? Alright=

KARKAT: =Daelos knows what's up=

MITUNA: -Haha bitch you thought this was a new feeling? Foh-

DAELOS: -Being mostly stripped of clothing also makes it all the more familiar. He's just kneeled close to Nyalah, hoping they won't hurt her.-

MINDFANG: -Oh because feeling her ribs crack and give under the ax wasnt enough, she now must also be inferior. If she wasn't having a painful time just wheezing with each inhale she would be super pissed.- THE EXPUNGER: Take it all. You are free to chooSe what you like from their poSSeSSionS. They are all dead regardleSS—

THE EXPUNGER: =As the legislacerators have a field day on the UU's stuff, she stepped forward and nudged Nyalah with her foot=

THE EXPUNGER: Who iS thiS? You think you could hide your wounded from me?

DAELOS: She is another crewmember

DAELOS: She cannot walk, nor cause you harm

DAELOS: She is unconcious

MITUNA: -Honestly all you get from Mituna is junk food, weed, and handheld games-

THE EXPUNGER: Hm. =She grasped Nyalah by the face, lifting her up off the ground.=

DAELOS: -winces- Please

DAELOS: Do not hurt her

KARKAT: =He has more useful things. He had treats for his dog and snacks for Sirius, he had some fish from the river saved up in there. DVDs and books.... les useful. And also some daggers and wrapping tape=

KARKAT: =Flexing his jaw=

NYALAH: -dangles uselessly, even as she's lifted.-

THE EXPUNGER: =shakes her of her stuff. She gets the same treatment as everyone else=

KARKAT: =Fins flare= ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?

[THR33 TONS OF W33D come toppling to the ground.]

[JK but maybe not.]

DAVE: -he's got...a pistol. not loaded. physical pictures of jade's most recent ultrasound. of dove. of jade. of stupid selfies. he's been taking a lot of pictures lately. he's got his nice camera karkat got him for his birthday...-

NYALAH: -Well.-

NYALAH: -Yes. 3 weed and 1 lighter. All she needs to survive basically.-

[[ Not your camera anymore bub! ]]

DAVE: - :C -

THE EXPUNGER: =Slaps Nyalah across the face=

THE EXPUNGER: Wakey wakey, time to join the party.

DAELOS: -Growls- Stop that at once!

KARKAT: ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!?

DAELOS: Your darned bird already nearly gutted her, what more could you want?

SEAKRAIT: -She lifts her axe up and CRACKS Mindfang in the ribs another good time.-

DAVE: -winces at that crack that's just...unsettling-

SEAKRAIT: -Just in case they weren't getting the point.-

KARKAT: ALL YOU ASSHOLE COWARDS DID IS CHASE US THROUGH A FOREST, SIPPING TEA AND BEING HIGH ON YOUR POMPOUS ASSES YOU DIDN'T EVEN FIGHT US AND YOU HAVE THE GODDAMN GALL TO BE HIGH AND MIGHT-HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

DAVE: karkat

THE EXPUNGER: =to Daelos= It truly iS a Shame CathariSta could not give her a Swift end. It would have been kinder.

DAELOS: -He will kill you for daring to touch his moirail in such a manner.-

KARKAT: =Clenches his fists and slumps in the snow, fins and gills flared and reddening, he's fucking pissed off=

THE EXPUNGER: =Strikes her across the face again, trying to rouse her=

DAELOS: -He could ...he could BREAK these cuffs if he really wanted to. But she would only mind control him again. He's just....so furious, even through the inferior feelings-

DAELOS: She is not going to wake up!

DAELOS: She's unconcious

REDGLARE: -oh she GETS the point. She's presenting her neck. Did they think she was kidding? This is basicsally every regret in her past. Her greatest nightmare-- some stranger toying with her thought and emotions and feelings, something she went through utter hell to prevent from ever happening again, has been going on all night without end.-

DAELOS: Are you blind???

REDGLARE: Com3 on.

NYALAH: -Now's her chance. Upon the distraction, a claw gauntlet is going to rip at the Expunger's throat. She never did take them off.-

DAVE: everything you say is-- -he stops-

DAELOS: -Oh. Welp.-

MINDFANG: -DO YOU GUYS MIND MAYBE NOT SCREWING HER OVER MORE. If her ribs werent broken already they sure as hell are now, and after the initial yelp of pain shes really quite quiet and still on the ground asides from soft breathing.-

DAELOS: -If Nyalah's attacking anyway, he WILL use this distraction to BREAK THESE CUFFS, RIPPING the burrowing worms from his arms and splattering the snow with blue blood and go in for another charge, even faster now that he's had time to catch his breath. He's going to STOMP TO DEATH, anything in his path.-

TEREZI: =PLEASE DONT STOMP ME=

DAELOS: -Not you, dear.

EUPHORIA: -takes this opportunity to make especially daelos and nyalah feel useless. no matter how hard you try you will fail-

DAELOS: -He doesn't care if he fails, he's too angry. His moirail is in danger.-

DAELOS: -He has to try.-

EUPHORIA: -Now, here's some apathy for daelos-

NYALAH: -it was the only second she kept in her favor. Oh and weed she has in her actual pockets. Which she uses for real.-

DAELOS: -Unfortunately, since he already started to attack he will need to be physically thwarted, rather than mentally thwarted, unless he is placed in some sort of full mind control again.-

SEAKRAIT: -She abandons smacking the shit out of Mindfang to, instead, leap into action alongside Daelos' path, swinging her axe down around his legs and managing to slice into one of his feet.-

THE EXPUNGER: =Her face had jerked to the side. But when she turned her head back to face Nyalah, her throat had been spared. However, her horns now sport deep scratches in them.=

THE EXPUNGER: Why do I continue to be SurpriSed you do not liSten? =In one metal hand, she seized both of Nyalah's gauntlets at one and ripped them off=

DAELOS: -As the pain slices into his foot, he lashes forward with both arms, trying to throw her down with him into the snow as he falls, even as his good foot sprays blood everywhee.

MINDFANG: -Thats okay seakrait she isnt going anywhere.-

NYALAH: -that was that. No more resisting.-

SEAKRAIT: -She doesn't seem to be too concerned -- maybe because she's waiting for something?-

THE EXPUNGER: =she forced Nyalah on her knees, cuffing her as well. Without another word, she grasped one of Nyalah's horns in her fist and squeezed until it crumbled like clay.=

DAVE: -resisting doesn't just hurt the person resisting. it hurts the others. he can't do anything about that-

DAELOS: -He's down and bleeding profusely, but even then it doesn't stop his gasp of horror and shock-

THE EXPUNGER: You'll have to thank the younger Pyrope for these. =Holds up her hand.= Know that THIS =she hissed in Nyalah's ear= was for them...

THE EXPUNGER: =points at the group=

THE EXPUNGER: Hiding you.

MITUNA: -Oh...Oh holy shit. That's so...He throws up-

DAELOS: -All sound dies in his throat. He knows how painful that is. Horns are filled with nerve endings. Angry tears gather in the corners of his eyes.-

NYALAH: -the crunch of her horn is a spearing pain as it is blinding, the pain so intense from her side and everything else that she can make no sound to the pour of fresh olive blood seeping from her skull.-

NYALAH: -she crumbles again, threatening to black out.-

REDGLARE: -it's more laughter, now. Just laughing. Laughing, laughing, laughing. She's so fucking fucked, right now.-

SEAKRAIT: -LAMPETRA TOTALLY HELPED HER DEFLECT DAELOS A MINUTE AGO WHEN THAT HAPPENED, THE DMS ARE JUST MULTITASKING SO HARD-

DAELOS: -He bows his head. He doesn't need mind control to know how badly he has messed up. How inferior he truly is.-

MINDFANG: -Yeah, even she is starting to feel like they are all pretty fucked...-

MINDFANG: -Suddenly curls up and coughs up blue onto the snow, and this time she knows its not from a bloody nose.-

LAMPETRA: =Angrily grabbing hold of Daelos, he placed strength-reducing cuffs on Troll Hulk. As the Expunger seems to be RIGHTLY DISTRACTED=

DAVE: -watching in horror-

DAELOS: -He barely acknowledges this. He won't be struggling, or speaking anymore.-

THE EXPUNGER: =Lets Nyalah fall, wherever she may.=

THE EXPUNGER: Now you.... =she shook her head at Daelos, approaching cloSer and cloSer to the UU group.= You truly do not know when to LIsTEN. =she sighed, shrugging her shoulders at the crowd of legislacerators behind her.=

THE EXPUNGER: One thing leadS to another, I SuppoSe. =sighs again= It iS TRULY unfortunate…but I did warn you. How can I Show you how SeriouS I am if I do not keep my word?

DAELOS: -He doesn't even look at her. She's certainly won.-

NYALAH: -just bleeding out from her head, face drenched in the color.-

EUPHORIA: -glances once at terezi for a very brief moment before looking away-

THE EXPUNGER: Once more unto the breach.

THE EXPUNGER: =Without further hesitation, she turned and seized Terezi’s horns, twisting sharply until resounding cracks sounded over the agonized shrieking from the troll beneath her. With two glimmers of orange in her fists, The Expunger tossed one aside and grabbed Terezi by the hair, yanking back her head to expose her neck. Plunging the remaining horn deep into her throat, the act cut her off mid-scream.=

TEREZI: =Terezi’s body heaved once and her arms jerked as reflex demanded that she defend herself, but the cuffs held and her hands remained bound. Blood matting her hair slowly trickled down her face past surprised eyes.=

DAVE: NO

SEAKRAIT: -She freezes, eyes wide, but she doesn't move. She does nothing.-

KARKAT: =Immediately from the horn grab his face twists in anger once again. his pusher seizing with her scream then watching as she gets impaled on her own horn. There's no way he wasn't moving, wasn't already streaming tears from his face. He doesn't have a weapon or hands but he has the fucking effort to sprint. Aiming right for Expunger. He's going to literally bite her face. Or try. And if not get snot and tears on her=

LAMPETRA: =he swallowed down the cry in his own throat before it even came up for air, his eyes wide, and hand partially lifted.=

ARANEA: -absolutely horrified. that may very well be the most disturbing thing she's ever seen, but worse than that, that was her friend. someone so good she even believed there's still something good in aranea. someone who had only just gotten her agency back. someone who didn't deserve this. she tries to call out, but the cold and pain and anguish has stolen her voice away.-

SEAKRAIT: -Her gaze immediately turns to Lampetra, her head an almost imperceptible shake.-

DAVE: -he has to go after karkat. he has to. he has to hold him back- karkat no -why the fuck does he have to be a seadweller? his arms are around his middle and he pulls him back in an attempt-

LAMPETRA: =he lowers his hand. It's all he can do=

REDGLARE: Y-you.

REDGLARE: You...

REDGLARE: -her voice cracks, drops.-

REDGLARE: 1 s33.

EUPHORIA: -he actually looks away during all of this-

MITUNA: WH47 7H3 FUCK

KARKAT: =AREN'T YOUR HANDS BOUND DAVE? CAN'T HOLD HIM BACK...... but if he does. Then Karkat is dragging him, yelling and with fins flared.....BUT IF NOT HERE COMES A MAD FISH=

DAVE: -HE PROBABLY LOOPED HIS ARMS AROUND HIM-

DAVE: -LIKE JUST PIGGY BACK HULA HOOP-

NYALAH: -perpetually passed out in the snow by now.-

DAELOS: -He's just still and silent through the chaos and screaming. He doesn't want anyone else to get hurt due to his actions.-

THE EXPUNGER: =sighs, irritated, even as Karkat advances= Someone deal with theSe two. Make Sure they don't get up again. Make Sure they KNOW THEIR PLACE.

DAVE: you cant -pulls- do anything -pulls- im not -pulls- gonna lose -pulls- you too

KARKAT: =In which case= NO! NO! FFFFUCK YOU, FUCK YOU YOU FUCKING ROTTED BARNACLE CUNTFUCK BITCH FIGHT ME!!

KARKAT: FIIIIIGGGGGGHTT MMEEEEEE! =ROARS=

DAVE: -EVERYTHING HURTS jESUS-

THE EXPUNGER: Hm. =smiles= Actually, I don't think I will. Freak.

THE EXPUNGER: =The Expunger pulled the horn free and without the plug preventing its escape, arterial blood spurted from Terezi’s wound in a jet that coated the Head Legislacerator’s torso. She brought the horn down again and again, every following blow more vicious than the last.=

TEREZI: =Drenched in teal and the ground beneath her splattered with it, Terezi’s watery choking and desperate inhalations forced the blood flooding her mouth to leak down the corners of her lips. Her consciousness was quickly claimed by the severe drop in blood pressure, and within seconds she fell limp in Salsar’s grip.=

THE EXPUNGER: =Even after Terezi’s slack muscles no longer held resistance, The Expunger held her in place, continuing to stab her until satisfied. Eventually she released her, allowing her very much D34D body to crumple upon the ground, blood pooling around her head like a grotesque halo that gradually spread in diameter.=

DAELOS: -GOD-

DAELOS: -He has seen some shit. He has been tortured and seen plenty of people murdured. He has seen his own planet blown up. But he has never seen anything this brutal. This poor young teal certainly didn't deserve to die this way.-

KARKAT: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! =Hold on Dave. This is an emotional ride. He's crying streams and still fighting, still trying to get to her but his pusher is so fucking heavy=

MINDFANG: -Walking the edge of staying conscious and seeing this... Not even she can condone being that cruel. Its over kill. Messy, unclean, and frankly dishonorable. There is special places in hell for people like the Expunger, and Arissa doesnt just think that because she happened to have a fondness for Terezi.-

DAVE: -he's gonna hold on with his life also he can't technically let go if he wants to because right now they're kind of stuck like this- we have to keep going

DAVE: sirius and damara

DAVE: are still on the ship

DAVE: we can bring her back to life -tears on his end too-

MITUNA: Y0U FUCK1NG CUN7 R0773D 5H17FUCK1NG D34D 817CH -He can't stop the yellow pouring from his eyes, the uncharacteristic cracking in his voice. Everything hurts and is heavy, but he's pushing himself up. He can't use his psionics, of course, fuck it. He's trying to get at the nearest legislacerator.-

SEAKRAIT: -Her expression is stony -- maybe even the slightest hint angry -- when she steps in front of Karkat, a swift motion of her free hand plunging fingers into his gills, her claws just scraping the delicate tissue inside.-

REDGLARE: -She's just gone still. Silent. She was shaking, woozy, before-- but now there's nothing. She's just waiting, eyes closed.-

DAVE: NO -trying so hard to pull him back-

THE EXPUNGER: =Tossing the horn aside where it clattered loudly across the stone, she announced cheerily,= Well! I don’t know what I expected, but for a while there, I waS Starting to believe you PyropeS were invincible.

THE EXPUNGER: DiSappointingly anticlimactic, all thiS waS. JuSt another green trying too hard to be blue. =she lifted her still-dripping hand to the legislacerators behind her from which came a chorus of agreement.=

KARKAT: =It's a new kind of pain, and he's bleeding it's in that weird way that cuts off his voice but air is still pushed over the edges of her fingers. And you know...... it hurts... but he hurts so much more than that. So he doesn't give that much of a shit if they rip open at this point. He's going to try and jerk his head to bite Seakrait's arm with fish jaws=

SEAKRAIT: -The moment his head jerks, her claws dig deeper, and she physically lifts him from the ground by her fingers in his gills alone. Dave might want to let go.-

SEAKRAIT: Stop. Struggling.

LAMPETRA: =he forced Mituna back to his knees with a hand on his shoulder. Like Seakrait, he also appears to be biting back a furious anger.=

LAMPETRA: I would stay down if I were you.

DAVE: -when that happens he does let go so he can try to dizzily move and swipe at seakrait's feet with his own-

MITUNA: 347 MY 5P1N4L CR3V1C3 -Tries to headbutt him-

KARKAT: =flops like a fish. only he's kicking. He can't talk like this, the pain of something... he's unfamiliar with being torn and strained. His arms reach for her, feet kicking. pink tears and red blood staining her hand and arm=

SEAKRAIT: -She's free to jump away, but it's probably shredding the inside of Karkat's gills for her to move so much. NICE JOB DAVE.-

DAVE: -AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!-

DAVE: PUT HIM DOWN

SEAKRAIT: -She lifts him higher, just enough to slam him back into Dave with the intention of hurtling them both onto the ground.-

LAMPETRA: =CLONKS Mituna between the horns with his own fist.=

KARKAT: =It sounds like he's gurgling his own blood, but also still kic-- whoop. SLAMMED=

KARKAT: =Sorry about his lardass Dave=

DAVE: -FUCK. there they go-

DAVE: -down they go and he yells in pain cuz his back is just getting super fucked up and he's pretty sure karkat's head smashed against his chin-

SEAKRAIT: Don't you get it? -It's little more than a hiss, maybe not intended for others to hear.- You did this to her.

DAELOS: -He can't remember being more frightened, even when being tortured. The cacophony of screams around him makes him feel frozen. He wishes he could hold Nyalah right now. If she's still even alive. She's lost so much blood.-

NYALAH: -no way of telling. She's lying face down in a puddle of herself.-

KARKAT: =He's woozy and needs a moment to process that also to stop filtering his own blood. How do you fish?= FUCK.. YOU. YOU. ALL OF YOU. DID THIS. SHE-- =he swallows and writhes, clenching fists=

MITUNA: -His head, is harder than...harder...hard. Okay, who flipped everything? Mituna is trying to scramble to make everything make sense. Someone needs to feel his wrath, someone needs to pay for what happened. He's flailing trying to hit this fucker-

TEREZI: =high five! puddle buddies!=

NYALAH: -snuggle in limbo buddies.-

MINDFANG: -Her voice is wet and breathy, as shes trying to save the amount of times she expands her lungs.- (S-Someone remind me h8w this all equ8ls just8ce....) -God damn law enforces were more twisted then the worst smugglers she knew.-

SEAKRAIT: -No need to catch your breath, Karkat, because she's stepping on your throat. No more talking. She forces her expression back closer to something neutral.-

DAVE: -NO!!!!!-

DAVE:-he's trying to worm his way out from underneath him so he can DO something-

KARKAT: =He's choking and staring right at her, he will sink claws in your SHIN. KNEECAPS.=

LAMPETRA: =CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS SEAKRAIT?? EVERYONE IS SO UNBELIEVABLY HARD HEADED!!=

MITUNA: -HARD HEAD THIS. Tries and headbutts again-

REDGLARE: -she's trying not to, but there's tears streaming from her good eye. She can't help it.-

SEAKRAIT: -It sounds like a hard clack when Karkat's claws meet her leg. It seems the Expunger isn't the only one with false limbs.-

SEAKRAIT: -Stares down hard at him. CEASE......-

KARKAT: =NEVER you totally killed like, his forever person=

SEAKRAIT: -NO YOU-

KARKAT: =FIGHT HIM???=

SEAKRAIT: -1v1 ME FOG NOSCOPE-

KARKAT: =BRING IT!=

LAMPETRA: =kicks Mituna to the ground and presses down hard on his chest. Grabbing one of the discarded weapons at random, he unsheathed the two blades apart. It's Terezi's cane.=

LAMPETRA: =Without another word, he forced the blade deep into Mituna's shoulder, finding the socket and angled it, dislocating it with a POP!=

MITUNA: -His scream is the scream that will pierce the heavens-

REDGLARE: -still quiet. She's just tired. So tired. Tired of seeing people die and tired of all the pain.-

LATULA: -she's screaming over Mituna, because HOLY SHIT, but not doing any fighting. Just pleading. Gotta-- leave this one. PLEASE.-

DAVE: -finally just...gives up in the snow. there was something about this girl troll that seemed like...she didn't want to do this. they are all ill equipped.-

MITUNA: -He's choking on his sobs, laying on the ground bleeding-

[[ Once everyone is back in the line and they are taken out of the wind, there is a conversation between two legislacerators standing night guard. There are mentions of "it" turning screwy and causing weird stuff to happen. Something clearly has the League on edge. ]]

L1: I never did like that biotech shit. Always gave me the creeps.

L2: =There is sufficient pause, almost hesitant.= Don't turn your back on the body.