expiationnet | 002=VIDEO [ forward dated to March 10th ]

002=VIDEO [ forward dated to March 10th ]

[ It's an evening like any other since the beginning of the blackout ─ since the last rays of sunshine have disappeared behind the horizon already, there are few people left on the streets, whatever little light there is still around coming mostly from candles in the nearby windows and an occasional brazier a person or two may stop by to warm up on their way home.

Even so, it shouldn't be difficult for anyone familiar with Aldrip to recognize the area shown in the video feed despite the surrounding darkness ─ and that's doubly true for those who have been through their "sentencing". The building displayed is, without any doubt, the City Hall, the very same where the Council (supposedly) dwells and casts their judgement upon the Chosen. The person filming this, whoever they are, approaches the main entry to the building before stopping right before its doors. They reach out to it, but instead of placing their hand on the knob as some might have assumed, they press their palm against the surface of the door instead. It's at this point that the mysterious figure speaks up, and those who know him will surely have no trouble realizing who it is. ]

... Restriction 666 released, dimensional interference field deployed.

[ Multiple elaborate magic circles start appearing from beneath his hand, their blue light illuminating the area and making it easier to see for those who haven't recognized the place yet. Paying them no mind, the voice continues: ]

IDEA Engine, linked. BlazBlue... activate.

[ An ornate crest flashes in front of him, and then the screen is filled with blinding light. What follows is a loud sound of an explosion, but it doesn't come just from the recording ─ no, anyone in Aldrip will probably be able to hear the almost deafening, sharp noise. The whole thing only lasts seconds, probably, but it might feel like it takes longer than that for the light to finally fade ─ and once it does, the area is completely unrecognizable. Where the City Hall stood just moments ago, there is nothing but a sea of fire and rubble. Surely, there are screams, too, and people rushing in to see what was the cause of the explosion ─ but their voices are drowned out by the sound of falling rocks and crackling fire.

Finally, Ragna turns the charm to face him, appearing completely unfazed like he didn't just raze a building to the ground. ]

The sentencing's been called off. I'm done playing their games.

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( after several minutes.... )

They might torture you for this. You know that, don't you?

[ That... is a bit disconcerting, to be honest. The way she just stares at him without saying a word. He would've almost preferred her enjoying the show, even though that part of her is a little worrying, too? He kind of wants to ask her what's wrong, when she finally says what's on her mind. And... oh, it's just that. Ragna shrugs, clearly nowhere near as concerned with that as she seems to be. ]

I'm shaking in my boots.

[ As far as he's concerned, they lack the means to really hurt him in any meaningful way. ]

( she chuckles over his sarcasm. )

So what sentence task did they give you to make you blow your casket? Learn proper manners and etiquette by sundown?

Call it more of a "preemptive measure", I guess? Sometimes you gotta make the first move instead of waiting for theirs.

[ Surely she knows how that goes. Ragna makes a small pause, before following it up in a softer tone that he hopes comes off as casually as he intends for it to. ]

... 'Sides, I promised you, didn't I? That they'd pay for it.

[ They both know what "it" in question is, so please spare him from the absolute embarrassment of saying something sappy like that he did it as a revenge for her, okay. ]

( her heart shutters again, but this time she breathes through it quicker than earlier. and although her words are running entirely dry, jinx leans forward to clumsily switch their conversation to a private one. if this happened nine months ago, she would be ecstatic in an entire different way. to have a lackey to do the dirty work for her, take the plunge, and she would get away with everything scot-free without feeling any remorse. but ragna, over the days, became more than just a partner-in-crime -- he, unexpectedly, grew to be her best friend... and a big brother. sure, he most likely had his own personal reasons but...for this action to be because of her... )

You did it for me...?

( her voice is very small, and her question is barely above a whisper. )

Edited 2024-03-09 19:22 (UTC)

[ Ugh, does she really have to look at him with those big puppy eyes like that? And to bring that up... He would've rather if it was left unsaid. This just makes things awkward. Ragna scratches the back of his head, looking over to the rubble like he's suddenly very interested in some of the rocks there instead of looking directly at his charm. ]

Look, they messed with you something fierce last month, 'kay? They went way too far. Even if it turns out this is all for nothing, and they bounce back by tomorrow, I couldn't just... sit around and do nothing.

[ That it might hopefully force the Council to reveal their hand is an added bonus, of course, but that might have been achieved by other means. This way, however, he gets to focus all the attention, the anger, the resentment of the Council, the residents of Aldrip, and hell, the other Chosen, on himself. ]

... If nothing else, everyone should cut you some slack for a little while.

[ And that alone makes it worth it. ]

( she nips on her lower lip as she listens to his explanation, her heart swelling in gratitude and her face heating up in a fluster. jinx expected vi or silco in doing something like this for her (maybe even quentin if they were in good terms), but she was blindsided if ragna ever would. it brings a warm and a reserved smile out of her, and the urge to say, "thank you" or "thanks, big bro" teases and tosses around at the tip of her tongue. but like the forbidden three words, she gobbles them down, and alternates her phrasing. )

Well, I did enjoy the show. You can make one heck of a blast. But I kiiiiinnda knew that already. With the, um, thing you got that you never wanna talk about.

Edited 2024-03-09 21:54 (UTC)

[ Ragna's mouth twitches into something resembling a smile. He figures this is the way things should be ─ when she looks like this, it's like she's just a normal girl, a teenager whose biggest troubles are figuring out her first crushes and navigating the complex world of her family relationships. This whole deal with being a war-starting monster hated by everyone should be left to someone else... like himself. ]

I'd say that coming from you, this counts as the highest kinda praise.

[ Although, almost predictably, that last part puts a damper on his mood. He doesn't seem to get mad at her for bringing it up this time, so at least there's that, but his expression darkens and he looks away again, kicking a rock from the City Hall debris. ]

... It's probably for the best that I know what I'm blowing up.

[ He admits slowly with a hint of sorrow in his voice. This might come off as laughable, considering what he'd just done, but... he doesn't necessarily want to hurt people. Not the Council and Jerry, those he definitely wants to destroy, and anyone who gets in his way is a fair game, too, but innocent bystanders and the other Chosen? Nobody might believe that after today, but he means them no harm. ]

( recognition for an exchange for another recognition, and it has her heart thumping behind her ribcage and into her ears. when was the last time she received any sort of acknowledgement (in a positive way)? all she can think back on is quentin and ange scolding her. scott too, if she wants to count his passive demeanor. so hearing this is just a nice (and overly due) change of pace, and maybe it'll pipe down for voices for a few hours. but jinx notices the underlining somber in his tone and her smile dips ever so slightly.

in retrospect, she understands to an extent. when she gets going on her havoc, it's hard for her to stop and she goes blind almost instantly. but the differences between the two of them is that jinx relishes over her mind shutting off during her chaos. she doesn't have to worry about stupid thoughts or feelings getting in the way of her high. she is a loose cannon as the people of runeterra called her, and it's a title she still holds strong and carries. for ragna, it doesn't seem as fun (and that's weird!!) and it hurts him.... somehow. and like with everyone else who is important in her life, she can't stand to see him hurt. )

Yeah, I'm glad you know. Even if you didn't, I'd gear you to the right target. It's my job to keep you in line.

[ The role of a villain was forced upon him by the world, and he's never much cared for it; but whenever the Black Beast showed up... that's when he failed to stand against his so-called "destiny". Destroying something because he made that decision, like the City Hall just now, is one thing, but having all your autonomy stripped away as you're forced to watch your body act against your own will? ... That's practically his worst nightmare come to life.

But Ragna decides not to dwell on that right now, instead glaring at the girl on the other end with a scowl. ]

Now hold on a sec. Who died and made you the boss of this entire "partnership" operation?

[ He's not really mad... but at the same time, he's also allergic to staying nice for too long. And as much as he's fond of Jinx (even if he might have trouble admitting it), he'll still push back against any suggestion of anyone putting him on a leash. ]

I've always been the brains between the two of us, Raggie. If it weren't for me, you'd have some sorry excuse for a partner by your side.

( she wiggles her eyebrows playfully at his direction, despite now is the perfect time to be making jokes. but someone around here needs to make light of this whole situation. )

[ Ragna remains not amused, but that's nothing out of the norm. ]

If anything, I wouldn't be stuck with any partner in the first place.

[ On one hand, he's saying this only happened because she was being a pain in the ass about it until he (begrudgingly) agreed... but also, he genuinely doesn't think there's anyone else he'd be willing to tolerate for... whatever this weird "partners in crime" relationship they have going on is. ]

Blahblahblah,yapyapyap, so what's the plan now, Bud? ( she asks while waving a hand dismissively. ) It looks like to me everyone here hates ya. Or given you a stern talking to.

( in some twisted way, it's kinda nice to have the heat off of her for once, and no one is scolding her about something. it's nice, but also terrible because ragna is her best friend, and he shouldn't be under the bus either. )

With all the whack jobs we got crawlin' around, someone might take advantage of the black-out and pay you a visit. I can fight now, soooooooooooo..... need some backup?

Edited 2024-03-14 23:02 (UTC)

[ Okay, scratch the above ─ now he does seem amused, letting out a snort in response. Ragna shakes his head, giving the girl a smug smile. ]

What, you think this is my first time?

[ He's the infamous Grim Reaper, the most wanted man in the world with the highest bounty in history on his head; he's the Destroyer of the World, the Dark One, the world's worst nightmare, the source of all evil, the enemy of the whole world and whatever other fancy nickname people choose to come up with for him. He's more than used to this sort of thing. ]

Compared to the people going after me back home, this is baby stuff. I can handle this shit in my sleep, don't you worry about it.

Spoilsport.

( she doesn't say it out of anger or frustration, merely just making a statement. with a sigh, the video wavers as he gets a look at her in a bird's eye view -- a slight sway from side to side. )

— Guess my bullets will go to somethin' else. Maybe a few birds....

Sorry to disappoint.

[ He sounds more amused than apologetic, though he does feel a little bad about turning her down. Still, there's no point in trying to draw the Council's and general populace's ire away from her if he just allows her to join him immediately. ]

I'm sure you can find a fun way to pass time. Just, uh, try to give it like a week before you try to one-up me, 'kay?

Only if you promise me to not get so banged up that I can't do anything with you.

( she says this as if it's a direct order from her to him. and while it's coming from an authoritative way, there's love and care mixed in those syllables somewhere. especially when she gives the hologram a wink. )

What's the magic word?

[ You can't expect him to just accept any form of concern for his well-being without being difficult about it... plus, it gives him a chance to mess with her a little. ]

Bite me.

( and she says this with the most unamused and bitter tone she could muster up. but even so, the bitter isn't too deep to be taken serious. )

Edited 2024-03-19 23:15 (UTC)

[ Ragna let's out half-laugh, half-snort. He should've guessed this would be her response, but he isn't deterred in the slightest. In fact, he just accepts it as it is. ]

Yeah, that works; it's a promise, then.

Good. Talk later?

Sure. See you around.

[ Just before he puts the charm away, his expression softens, his smile losing all the snarky edge to it, replaced by something akin to sadness. ... He's always been a bad liar, and he prides himself on being a man who keeps his word, but for all his tough guy talk, in reality, he can't guarantee whatever the powers that be will let him see it through. So, just this once... she'll have to forgive him for making a promise he might not be able to keep. ]

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002=VIDEO [ forward dated to March 10th ]

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