[It's a little terse, but mostly good-natured. He knows Gojo is just Like That, and would be whether he was an Exo or a human or whatever Choso is exactly.]
I would suggest looking for a place which is easily defended, but I'm not sure those exist in a city like this.
As long as I get a king sized bed, I don't really care about the rest of it. I can have books anywhere.
We actually have money for this, by the way. I got a weird windfall. A little bit creepy, actually. Did I show you the weird money that just showed up in my room?
I assumed we were using what we were given from the expeditions.
[Which is presumably nowhere near enough for a house, but the thing is? Felwinter has never had to use money before in his life. Having to pay for the place you want to live in? Pretty wild, actually.]
Just showed up. Scattered around. Which I just figured was a prank or something. But when I investigated, apparently it appraises for an obscene amount of money. Like ... the living expenses of a family for a year. Someone--or something--just gave me that.
It doesn't make any sense.
But yeah, I'd been planning on using what we were given from the expeditions, and figured the three of us would probably manage to afford something decent by combining that. But now ... we can afford something nice, and still have plenty for necessities and luxuries beyond that.
[ The luxuries available are limited, however, and especially limited for Augmented. Therefore, the obvious solution is that they need to expand the availability of luxury items and the social situation of the Augmented. Somehow. ]
And, honestly, still even more money beyond that since we still have the three salaries. So, serious question, what kind of goals might we want to achieve with that?
A tribute. [As made to a Warlord by his people. It's... not the most comfortable thought.
Gojo's question is a good one, and also one he doesn't have the slightest idea on how to answer. There are several goals he'd like to achieve, but he doesn't know that money will or even can help with them. He's quiet for a little while, his thumb drawing idle circles on Gojo's hand.]
[ Gojo echoes the word with a thoughtful sound, then shakes his head. Even his god complex doesn’t find anything there to latch onto. Praise and attention is all the tribute he wants. (Though it’s true that he considers it the natural order of the universe that he be financially comfortable.) ]
From who or what?
[ Even though he’d been asking for Fel’s thoughts and priorities, he’s willing to give his own first. ]
I want better treatment for the Augmented and better conditions overall. Seems like what people need most is food—then other material goods and resources after that. But even though money gives us better access to those things, it can’t create more food and resources. I don’t have any particularly good ideas about how to improve that situation as a whole, or how to apply the money toward those interests.
My people gave me crates of ammunition and scavenged weapon parts in exchange for my protection.
[He doesn't sound particularly proud of this. He hadn't wanted to be a Warlord, and had said as much when Aarthi had come to deliver him tribute. But he was also pragmatic, and not about to turn away something that useful when it was offered. He'd refused to take their food, at least, if only because it wasn't something he needed.]
Perhaps this is payment for something else you've done. You'd have a better idea of what that might be than I do.
[Gojo's priorities are good enough, and Felwinter is quietly relieved to hear that he also doesn't know how they might apply money to such things. So he feels less self-conscious, perhaps, when he offers his own thoughts.]
When I first came here, I thought the city a vision of our dreams brought to life. We're building a city for our people, did I ever tell you that? But the more I see of it, the more doubts I have. Attitude towards the Augmented may be mixed but we are still better provided for than some of Karteria's own citizens. Though I don't think we have enough money for all of them.
[As if simply throwing money at them would fix the underlying societal problems. Problems that Felwinter is unfortunately somewhat oblivious to.]
There are others better suited towards improving the standing of Augmented. That's not something I can do.
[ This information about Fel's role as a Warlord in his society makes Gojo blink in surprise. He'd sort of assumed that it was more of a combat style or ability, like how he and his peers are jujutsu sorcerers. But now it seems like he actually had power and leadership over people, and they brought him weaponry in order to help maintain that leadership and protection. That's not something Gojo likes the sound of, but he doesn't have enough context to be able to judge. Fel makes some terrible decisions, but he also means well. Hard to tell which one this was. Maybe both. (Probably both.) ]
You can improve the standing of the Augmented. You already are. We're earning appreciation and respect for our work exploring. We've brought back information that Patho-Gen has found valuable, and we've made progress in re-establishing the connection to Kelesis.
But payment from whom? The authorities? They should be providing better housing for the augmented, since they brought us here, so why throw this payment at just me? Why not increase the budget for the augmented as a whole? Common folk giving 'tribute' or some smaller organization? They wouldn't have this kind of budget. Some kind of mysterious wealthy benefactor? How would they get into my room, for one thing, and I haven't done anything exceptional enough for anyone in order to warrant this kind of money.
It ...
[ Gojo's not the type to believe in gods. Though it is true that he met an entity here he would consider a god, and that god was able to create things from thin air. But this doesn't at all seem like Emet-Selch's style.
(Worth asking him, though, to be sure. Gojo will just fire off a quick text, explaining to Fel as he does so.) ]
I have met one entity who can create things, so it's possible it was him, but it doesn't seem like him and this is well out of proportion with the ... I made him a flower crown and he created cakes for me. I haven't done anything for him that would merit this.
But it makes me wonder if there's something else.
Was there ... when you first woke up--no, before you first woke up, did you hear a voice that didn't seem like it actually belonged to the scientists who were there when you did wake up?
[Felwinter doesn't argue when Gojo insists that he's already helping. He's learned that arguing with Gojo generally gets him nowhere but in trouble. And besides, perhaps Gojo is right... as long as his efforts are focused outside of the city, and the people remain unaware of what he is, he's doing something.
So what he really meant, then, is that there others better suited to roles directly involved with the citizenry.
But the focus has shifted entirely to the mystery money. He listens, and has no real argument against any of it. He is briefly distracted by the mention of someone who can, apparently, create food out of thing air — what an incredibly useful ability — but then Gojo asks him a question which catches him off-guard.
He's silent, at first, trying to think back to that time. He'd woken in a blind panic with the sound of battle ringing in his ears, disorientated and disarmed. He had almost assaulted the scientist who was watching over him (almost, but not quite). Before then? It's hard to remember. It's harder to think about.]
Possibly. [He rubs his face against Gojo's shoulder. To comfort himself, perhaps? He doesn't know.] Everything was... jumbled up. With before. But I think I remember, now that you mention it. As though something or someone was in my head.
[A pause, as he considers why Gojo is asking about that now.]
You think whoever or whatever that was may be responsible?
Yes. It feels like a wild, insane theory. I don't believe in gods or superior beings like that, despite having met one that's superior enough to me at full power to have me genuinely impressed.
But this money ... it makes no sense for it to have come from anyone within the city.
I have the completely ridiculous certainty that it was given to me by something else, something watching, something that thinks I can do something useful with it.
Either a being unrelated to Patho-Gen or something behind Patho-Gen, something powerful controlling the human organization that it's using as its front.
But all of that sounds ... impossible. I can't take it seriously as a theory, and yet it's still my only real theory at this point. The more reasonable theory is that one of my exploration teams did this as a prank, but ... I don't think that quite makes sense. It doesn't fit with any of them, for multiple reasons.
[ The nuzzling against his shoulder does work to comfort him, at least. Gojo sighs deeply. ] I figure there's no point thinking about it. But it is something I'm keeping at the back of my mind, looking for further clues and evidence along the way.
[ His device buzzes and he reaches for it, seeing that it's a response from Brickston to a question Gojo had asked him. He starts to read it, nudging Felwinter to get his attention and tilting it so he can read over Gojo's shoulder. Then he types up a quick reply to Brickston. ]
Edited (forgot i wanted to include an addl plot element) 2025-06-05 16:56 (UTC)
It could just as well be that you weren't the only one to receive it. [Mind that complex of yours, Gojo.] But I agree, there's little point in thinking too hard about it. You received a boon. Unless there's an unexpected catch, you can do what you want with it.
[Gojo nudges him, and Fel is forced to extract himself from the comfort of burying his face against his shoulder to see what he wants to share, pushing himself up onto an elbow. Ah. Brickston. He supposes he could have asked for more details than he did. Fixated, though? Rude.]
[ wow you weren't supposed to scroll up and see the 'fixated' comment, rude ]
It's at least slightly more to go on than we had before. And he has a good idea about starting in the region of those cabins and searching more thoroughly around there. We may as well.
Is that a higher priority than getting to this bridge and connecting with Kelesis, though? I confess I'm intensely curious about that. I do think there are good clues to be found in our searches in the wild, but right now one of my highest priorities is getting additional information about the history of katalyth and the wars between the cities, so I like the idea of being able to get access to Kelesis' version of the story. Even if it is allied enough with Karteria to mostly agree, I'm curious about where the differences will be.
People will reach Kelesis with or without us. Just like the bridge.
[Especially with Patho-Gen encouraging everyone in that direction.
He sinks back down, trying to roll onto his back only to find that he can't because these beds are far too small and there's a wall in the way. Fine, maybe Gojo has a point about moving.]
Though I agree, I would like another perspective on this world's history. Everything I've been able to find in the library was, obviously, written by Karterians. Between the biases and propaganda, I don't know how much can be trusted.
Hey, others will reach Kelesis with or without us, but I want credit for the fact that it would have taken a lot longer without my determination to explore farther, and then my efforts to organize others to explore. Patho-Gen pointed us in some directions [ and away from others? ] they wanted to prioritize, but I'd still rather be headed for actual things than just broadly exploring the wilderness.
[ Gojo snorts a the sound of the 'thunk' as Fel tries to shift but hits the wall instead. ]
None of it can be trusted. I'm defaulting to believing the opposite of the official story, in most cases. They claim Lupe started the war and attacked unprovoked, committing war crimes? Yeah, I'm pretty sure it was Karteria who attacked Lupe unprovoked and did some horrifying things.
Especially considering what they've done to us. We should assume the worst, and assume that we haven't seen half of what they intend or what atrocities they're capable of.
From what I've read, the people of Lupe were sick, I'm assuming from exposure to arcane radiation. Supposedly Lupe was using katalyth to develop weaponry, and when the original Augmented were sent to infiltrate, it turned its own weapons on itself. If we assume this is the truth of what happened, then what could the logic behind it possibly be? Were they really so desperate as to wipe themselves out along with the Karterian infiltrators?
[Felwinter doesn't think so, anyway.]
It's too convenient. Scorched earth, no evidence left behind. No Augmented, either.
No. [ Gojo shakes his head, agreeing with Felwinter's skepticism. ] No logic. Only propaganda, and not with any subtlety to the propaganda, either. Karteria was to blame, and Karteria's crimes were worse. Probably Karteria was using the katalyth to develop weaponry, and they invented excuses to find targets for it. Perhaps Lupe was not entirely innocent, but it is without a doubt Karteria that I do not trust.
At any rate--shall we prioritize Kelesis, or do you want to try and make time to investigate the cabins again in-between? I can try and send one of the other exploration teams, but I don't have any to spare at the moment, and I think this search is something that you and I would mostly prefer to continue handling more personally.
[Part of Felwinter wants to insist they keep pushing to find this "secret" location, but for the fact it's already caused an argument once today. (Twice, if you consider the second round of arguing a separate incident.) Besides, Gojo does have a point, and Felwinter is very curious to see the state of this other city.]
If you think Kelesis is worth it, we can focus on that for now. But you're right, I'd rather keep this between us for now. And Brickston.
[And whoever else Brickston had told. And whoever had read the discussion on the network...]
[ Gojo opens his mouth to ask for more details on which the fuck part they're keeping 'between us', given that Brickston had posted a bunch of it on the network and their explorations aren't exactly a secret. But he supposes that Fel just means the priorities and strategy they're personally planning should be just between them. ]
And Choso. [ There's a question mark in his voice, but the tone is mostly 'duh?' Was Choso included in the 'us'? He's an important part of their exploration team. And their new roommate. And Gojo's emotional anchor. Obviously Choso should be informed of their plans (and given a chance to tell them if they're doing something dumb). ]
[ Gojo smiles, warmed by the confirmation that Choso's inclusion in their plans should be assumed. Though he goes more carefully still at that next observation and the questions it implies. A hint of defensive tension pulls though his shoulders, easy to miss if Fel weren't so physically close.
He considers explanation or excuse, then decides to go with avoidance and denial instead. Fel will have to ask a more pointed question if he wants to try and get answers. ] Hm.
Edited (double negatived my way into that sentence making no damn sense) 2025-06-11 16:59 (UTC)
[Hm indeed. Luckily, Felwinter didn't really expect it to be easy to get answers out of Gojo. Not about this.]
You defend him. You praise him. You put his wants over your own. And then to his face you treat him like something lesser. You won't even use his name.
[And Fel hates it. If he hadn't seen the way Gojo talks about Choso, he would have been far less tolerant of the way he talks to him.]
Why? And don't try shifting the blame onto... things he has no control of. I don't care what he is and I don't want to hear about it. If he wishes to tell me himself then it's his choice.
[He sits up a little. Maybe he should have broached this subject in a position where it was harder for Gojo to close himself off.]
I'm asking what's going on with you. You clearly care about him. Is it so hard for you to act like it?
Come back here. [ Gojo reaches back to snag Fel's arm, trying to pull it over his waist, trying to pull him back into spooning. ] Gimme a minute.
[ Does he really put Choso's wants over his own? That doesn't sound right. That doesn't sound like him. And yet his mind balks at the prospect of hearing examples of it, since he expects there will be some. (What are the only criteria he has for the place they're moving into? The ones Choso asked for.)
He's quiet for a couple of minutes, subdued as he processes what he's willing to say. ]
You remember the trap I told you about. The one that caught me in the prison realm.
A significant portion of their plan hinged upon wrecking me emotionally, since they knew they could never match me in a physical fight. So they staged it where a thousand innocents were trapped, so that I had to fight without hurting those humans.
But they kept killing them. And then they spilled a few hundred transfigured humans into the area. Imagine that thing in the swamp. A thing that was once human and was now just suffering.
I killed those ones. [ His voice has taken on a sort of numb sing-song as he disassociates from the trauma of reliving this enough to talk about it. ]
I made a choice about collateral damage and used enough of my technique to leave all the innocents pretty heavily brain damaged. I don't know how bad it ended up being. I should ask Choso if any of them recovered. [ He won't. He thinks that plausible deniability is probably the better choice for what remains of his sanity. ]
But all that was just to wreck my emotional state enough that their final move would make me freeze for a few critical seconds.
Which it did.
Anyway, that's where I met Choso. [ He tries to deliver this with blithe cheerfulness. It doesn't work. Talking about this has lowered enough of his mask to reveal that Gojo's sanity is hanging on by frayed threads.
Gojo feels like most of him is eternally frozen standing on a sidewalk in Shinjuku, watching Suguru walk away.
The rest of him is trapped in that subway, dripping in the blood of the hundreds of innocent people he mercy-killed, staring down the thing that haunts his nightmares. ]
He wasn't just complicit. He was actively fighting against me, working with the people who had put together that plan. He killed dozens of people right in front of me. Sliced a bunch of them in half, it was pretty brutal. He wasn't the leader, far from it, but Choso had worked with them to create that situation.
And then I woke up here! [ The bright cheeriness is a little more believable this time, though he still sounds deeply Not Okay. ] And encountered him on, like, day one.
If I'd had any of my powers at the time, they would still be cleaning bits of him out of the grout in the Valentia showers.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Can't believe I'm actually willingly getting myself into a situation this cozy and domestic. [ Big dramatic eyeroll, even though Fel can't see it. ]
I'm not doing the laundry. You and Choso will have to figure that out. [ And all the other chores. ]
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[It's a little terse, but mostly good-natured. He knows Gojo is just Like That, and would be whether he was an Exo or a human or whatever Choso is exactly.]
I would suggest looking for a place which is easily defended, but I'm not sure those exist in a city like this.
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Yeah we're looking for a house, not a fortress.
Another part of the human facade thing. Acting like society is peaceful and we're all safe, even when we all know it's a lie.
But it'll be nice. Sunny. With a garden. So we can plant Choso in a little flowerpot or something.
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Perhaps I can meditate in the garden rather than the park.
[Nobody staring at him, that way.]
What would you look for? In a house.
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We actually have money for this, by the way. I got a weird windfall. A little bit creepy, actually. Did I show you the weird money that just showed up in my room?
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[Ok, sure. Kind of creepy.]
I assumed we were using what we were given from the expeditions.
[Which is presumably nowhere near enough for a house, but the thing is? Felwinter has never had to use money before in his life. Having to pay for the place you want to live in? Pretty wild, actually.]
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It doesn't make any sense.
But yeah, I'd been planning on using what we were given from the expeditions, and figured the three of us would probably manage to afford something decent by combining that. But now ... we can afford something nice, and still have plenty for necessities and luxuries beyond that.
[ The luxuries available are limited, however, and especially limited for Augmented. Therefore, the obvious solution is that they need to expand the availability of luxury items and the social situation of the Augmented. Somehow. ]
And, honestly, still even more money beyond that since we still have the three salaries. So, serious question, what kind of goals might we want to achieve with that?
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Gojo's question is a good one, and also one he doesn't have the slightest idea on how to answer. There are several goals he'd like to achieve, but he doesn't know that money will or even can help with them. He's quiet for a little while, his thumb drawing idle circles on Gojo's hand.]
What would you use it for?
[It's easier to just ask.]
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[ Gojo echoes the word with a thoughtful sound, then shakes his head. Even his god complex doesn’t find anything there to latch onto. Praise and attention is all the tribute he wants. (Though it’s true that he considers it the natural order of the universe that he be financially comfortable.) ]
From who or what?
[ Even though he’d been asking for Fel’s thoughts and priorities, he’s willing to give his own first. ]
I want better treatment for the Augmented and better conditions overall. Seems like what people need most is food—then other material goods and resources after that. But even though money gives us better access to those things, it can’t create more food and resources. I don’t have any particularly good ideas about how to improve that situation as a whole, or how to apply the money toward those interests.
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[He doesn't sound particularly proud of this. He hadn't wanted to be a Warlord, and had said as much when Aarthi had come to deliver him tribute. But he was also pragmatic, and not about to turn away something that useful when it was offered. He'd refused to take their food, at least, if only because it wasn't something he needed.]
Perhaps this is payment for something else you've done. You'd have a better idea of what that might be than I do.
[Gojo's priorities are good enough, and Felwinter is quietly relieved to hear that he also doesn't know how they might apply money to such things. So he feels less self-conscious, perhaps, when he offers his own thoughts.]
When I first came here, I thought the city a vision of our dreams brought to life. We're building a city for our people, did I ever tell you that? But the more I see of it, the more doubts I have. Attitude towards the Augmented may be mixed but we are still better provided for than some of Karteria's own citizens. Though I don't think we have enough money for all of them.
[As if simply throwing money at them would fix the underlying societal problems. Problems that Felwinter is unfortunately somewhat oblivious to.]
There are others better suited towards improving the standing of Augmented. That's not something I can do.
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You can improve the standing of the Augmented. You already are. We're earning appreciation and respect for our work exploring. We've brought back information that Patho-Gen has found valuable, and we've made progress in re-establishing the connection to Kelesis.
But payment from whom? The authorities? They should be providing better housing for the augmented, since they brought us here, so why throw this payment at just me? Why not increase the budget for the augmented as a whole? Common folk giving 'tribute' or some smaller organization? They wouldn't have this kind of budget. Some kind of mysterious wealthy benefactor? How would they get into my room, for one thing, and I haven't done anything exceptional enough for anyone in order to warrant this kind of money.
It ...
[ Gojo's not the type to believe in gods. Though it is true that he met an entity here he would consider a god, and that god was able to create things from thin air. But this doesn't at all seem like Emet-Selch's style.
(Worth asking him, though, to be sure. Gojo will just fire off a quick text, explaining to Fel as he does so.) ]
I have met one entity who can create things, so it's possible it was him, but it doesn't seem like him and this is well out of proportion with the ... I made him a flower crown and he created cakes for me. I haven't done anything for him that would merit this.
But it makes me wonder if there's something else.
Was there ... when you first woke up--no, before you first woke up, did you hear a voice that didn't seem like it actually belonged to the scientists who were there when you did wake up?
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So what he really meant, then, is that there others better suited to roles directly involved with the citizenry.
But the focus has shifted entirely to the mystery money. He listens, and has no real argument against any of it. He is briefly distracted by the mention of someone who can, apparently, create food out of thing air — what an incredibly useful ability — but then Gojo asks him a question which catches him off-guard.
He's silent, at first, trying to think back to that time. He'd woken in a blind panic with the sound of battle ringing in his ears, disorientated and disarmed. He had almost assaulted the scientist who was watching over him (almost, but not quite). Before then? It's hard to remember. It's harder to think about.]
Possibly. [He rubs his face against Gojo's shoulder. To comfort himself, perhaps? He doesn't know.] Everything was... jumbled up. With before. But I think I remember, now that you mention it. As though something or someone was in my head.
[A pause, as he considers why Gojo is asking about that now.]
You think whoever or whatever that was may be responsible?
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But this money ... it makes no sense for it to have come from anyone within the city.
I have the completely ridiculous certainty that it was given to me by something else, something watching, something that thinks I can do something useful with it.
Either a being unrelated to Patho-Gen or something behind Patho-Gen, something powerful controlling the human organization that it's using as its front.
But all of that sounds ... impossible. I can't take it seriously as a theory, and yet it's still my only real theory at this point. The more reasonable theory is that one of my exploration teams did this as a prank, but ... I don't think that quite makes sense. It doesn't fit with any of them, for multiple reasons.
[ The nuzzling against his shoulder does work to comfort him, at least. Gojo sighs deeply. ] I figure there's no point thinking about it. But it is something I'm keeping at the back of my mind, looking for further clues and evidence along the way.
[ His device buzzes and he reaches for it, seeing that it's a response from Brickston to a question Gojo had asked him. He starts to read it, nudging Felwinter to get his attention and tilting it so he can read over Gojo's shoulder. Then he types up a quick reply to Brickston. ]
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[Gojo nudges him, and Fel is forced to extract himself from the comfort of burying his face against his shoulder to see what he wants to share, pushing himself up onto an elbow. Ah. Brickston. He supposes he could have asked for more details than he did. Fixated, though? Rude.]
Resources. [Hm.] It's still not much to go on.
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[ wow you weren't supposed to scroll up and see the 'fixated' comment, rude ]
It's at least slightly more to go on than we had before. And he has a good idea about starting in the region of those cabins and searching more thoroughly around there. We may as well.
Is that a higher priority than getting to this bridge and connecting with Kelesis, though? I confess I'm intensely curious about that. I do think there are good clues to be found in our searches in the wild, but right now one of my highest priorities is getting additional information about the history of katalyth and the wars between the cities, so I like the idea of being able to get access to Kelesis' version of the story. Even if it is allied enough with Karteria to mostly agree, I'm curious about where the differences will be.
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[Especially with Patho-Gen encouraging everyone in that direction.
He sinks back down, trying to roll onto his back only to find that he can't because these beds are far too small and there's a wall in the way. Fine, maybe Gojo has a point about moving.]
Though I agree, I would like another perspective on this world's history. Everything I've been able to find in the library was, obviously, written by Karterians. Between the biases and propaganda, I don't know how much can be trusted.
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[ Gojo snorts a the sound of the 'thunk' as Fel tries to shift but hits the wall instead. ]
None of it can be trusted. I'm defaulting to believing the opposite of the official story, in most cases. They claim Lupe started the war and attacked unprovoked, committing war crimes? Yeah, I'm pretty sure it was Karteria who attacked Lupe unprovoked and did some horrifying things.
Especially considering what they've done to us. We should assume the worst, and assume that we haven't seen half of what they intend or what atrocities they're capable of.
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[Felwinter doesn't think so, anyway.]
It's too convenient. Scorched earth, no evidence left behind. No Augmented, either.
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At any rate--shall we prioritize Kelesis, or do you want to try and make time to investigate the cabins again in-between? I can try and send one of the other exploration teams, but I don't have any to spare at the moment, and I think this search is something that you and I would mostly prefer to continue handling more personally.
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If you think Kelesis is worth it, we can focus on that for now. But you're right, I'd rather keep this between us for now. And Brickston.
[And whoever else Brickston had told. And whoever had read the discussion on the network...]
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And Choso. [ There's a question mark in his voice, but the tone is mostly 'duh?' Was Choso included in the 'us'? He's an important part of their exploration team. And their new roommate. And Gojo's emotional anchor. Obviously Choso should be informed of their plans (and given a chance to tell them if they're doing something dumb). ]
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[Choso is just... part of this fireteam now, isn't he? Especially now that they're all moving in together.
Offhandedly:] You seem terribly concerned about him. In spite of how you treat him.
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He considers explanation or excuse, then decides to go with avoidance and denial instead. Fel will have to ask a more pointed question if he wants to try and get answers. ] Hm.
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You defend him. You praise him. You put his wants over your own. And then to his face you treat him like something lesser. You won't even use his name.
[And Fel hates it. If he hadn't seen the way Gojo talks about Choso, he would have been far less tolerant of the way he talks to him.]
Why? And don't try shifting the blame onto... things he has no control of. I don't care what he is and I don't want to hear about it. If he wishes to tell me himself then it's his choice.
[He sits up a little. Maybe he should have broached this subject in a position where it was harder for Gojo to close himself off.]
I'm asking what's going on with you. You clearly care about him. Is it so hard for you to act like it?
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[ Does he really put Choso's wants over his own? That doesn't sound right. That doesn't sound like him. And yet his mind balks at the prospect of hearing examples of it, since he expects there will be some. (What are the only criteria he has for the place they're moving into? The ones Choso asked for.)
He's quiet for a couple of minutes, subdued as he processes what he's willing to say. ]
You remember the trap I told you about. The one that caught me in the prison realm.
A significant portion of their plan hinged upon wrecking me emotionally, since they knew they could never match me in a physical fight. So they staged it where a thousand innocents were trapped, so that I had to fight without hurting those humans.
But they kept killing them. And then they spilled a few hundred transfigured humans into the area. Imagine that thing in the swamp. A thing that was once human and was now just suffering.
I killed those ones. [ His voice has taken on a sort of numb sing-song as he disassociates from the trauma of reliving this enough to talk about it. ]
I made a choice about collateral damage and used enough of my technique to leave all the innocents pretty heavily brain damaged. I don't know how bad it ended up being. I should ask Choso if any of them recovered. [ He won't. He thinks that plausible deniability is probably the better choice for what remains of his sanity. ]
But all that was just to wreck my emotional state enough that their final move would make me freeze for a few critical seconds.
Which it did.
Anyway, that's where I met Choso. [ He tries to deliver this with blithe cheerfulness. It doesn't work. Talking about this has lowered enough of his mask to reveal that Gojo's sanity is hanging on by frayed threads.
Gojo feels like most of him is eternally frozen standing on a sidewalk in Shinjuku, watching Suguru walk away.
The rest of him is trapped in that subway, dripping in the blood of the hundreds of innocent people he mercy-killed, staring down the thing that haunts his nightmares. ]
He wasn't just complicit. He was actively fighting against me, working with the people who had put together that plan. He killed dozens of people right in front of me. Sliced a bunch of them in half, it was pretty brutal. He wasn't the leader, far from it, but Choso had worked with them to create that situation.
And then I woke up here! [ The bright cheeriness is a little more believable this time, though he still sounds deeply Not Okay. ] And encountered him on, like, day one.
If I'd had any of my powers at the time, they would still be cleaning bits of him out of the grout in the Valentia showers.
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