voice; un: nero (open to stars and moon) [forward dated to the 26th]

[sassery]

[Surprisingly, this isn’t a text. While Nero is a complete shitposter, this absolutely is all voice. Which means that this is important, and it sure sounds like it, because Nero’s voice sounds incredibly strained and distressed.]

Hey. I know there’s monsters and shit all around at night, but do me a favor. Anyone in neutral territory or close by that- stay the fuck away from the border of the Moon territory. Vergil’s been cursed, and he’s basically attacking anyone who gets in his way while trying to find me or Dante.

If you want to go and find him and try to stop him, don’t. We’re his targets- if anyone else crosses him, he won’t hesitate. Don’t go looking for us either- he only wants to kill us. We'll take care of it.

[A pause, and he inhales and exhales. Stay focused, don't let your emotions get the best of you here, we don't have time. There's still another thing he has to ask.]

I also need a healer as soon as anyone’s ready. We’ll come to you.

[In the background, you can hear Dante begin to protest.]

Look kid, I’ll be fine-

[It’s a bad idea to say that, because Nero practically explodes, yelling back at him while the network is still going.]

Shut the fuck up, you took a sword to the chest, asshole! You’re not fucking fine!

[Look, the boy is worried sick for Dante and also Vergil, his emotions are a mess. He doesn’t know what’s going on with the other, but Vergil’s nearly killed Dante and tried to kill Nero without any warning. He needs to be stopped. They need to find that Arae.

((Nero and Dante will be threadjacking where necessary, feel free to threadjack right back!))]

Comments

video; un: hakunon

[sealeted]

[Hakuno's looking a little rough around the edges, but she isn't so busy she hasn't been able to skim over the other responses first. When she speaks, it's soft as ever but in a brisk, business-like tone.]

Do we know if the rune traps work on him, if one of those creatures put him in this state? It sounds like our best bet is containment, until whatever cursed him gets axed. I...

[She pauses, and takes a moment to rummage in her bag, taking stock of... something.]

I have an ability that can paralyze enemies for a short period, and I have enough... supplies that I could probably overlap it to buy you two some time, for a while. I'd have to be within line of sight though, so I'm hoping we have more options than that.

[Her expression doesn't change, but she tries to force in some levity into her voice.]

I try to avoid getting stabbed, in general. Just as a personal preference.

[sassery]

[The feed Hakuno gets back from Nero is... he looks a lot worse. Blood on both hands (and his right arm is actually human, of all things, no robotic arm from before), blood very clearly all on his shirt and a gash on his chest that is far too close to his heart to be a missed wound. He's bruised and battered around his neck, and overall he looks exhausted.

Still doesn't stop him from giving a weak smile quickly before assessing her questions.]

I don't know how well the runes will work on him when he's like this- it's... they're for monsters, and I wouldn't exactly call him that. And he's still himself, even though he's this thing right now.

[He's seen it for himself, seen the struggle Nelo had when he saw the book he gave to Nero, saw the tears form in his father's eyes while he was under this curse, recognized his son.

But at her suggestion, he shakes his head, mouth firm.]

Look, I appreciate it, but I can't let you do that. I don't want anyone else getting hurt while he tries to kill us both. He'd immediately beeline for you once he was out of it, even if we tried to keep his attention.

[A pause, almost as if he's debating on what to say next.]

Besides, it's a family thing, you know?

[sealeted]

I don't think whether or not other people get hurt is something you can decide, at this point. I'm used to putting myself on the line for risky gambles, and my luck with those has been pretty good, historically. Under different circumstances I'd try and see if I could get Gilgamesh's help, but, well... When he and I fight together, it's not usually to disable. We... tried that at the feast. Didn't work out too well.

[The death hadn't been their direct fault, more some strange suicide, but... still. She's hesitant to go all-out against somebody else's family member.

She pauses too, at that thought.]

I... can't say I do know. Sorry. But, the offer's open if you end up needing it while you, uh... heal and nap and bathe, at the very least.

[You're a mess, boy.]

[redload]

[dante interjects rather quickly.]

It's family business. [like nero said.] Don't get involved.

[sealeted]

Unless your family can get its second wind before other people stumble onto his path, it won't be. Or, it won't just be.

[He's got that look about him, so—]

I imagine people already out hunting along the borders don't have the luxury of time to check out this warning. Like I said, the offer is open if you do end up needing it.

[redload]

[stumbling into it isn't the same as actively looking for it, but dante's not here to argue nothing. she has a point, he will concede, but nelo angelo will go on a rampage regardless and only engage if attacked or if those of the blood of sparda are nearby.]

[in any case,] We won't need it.

[sealeted]

Okay. Let me know if you guys need any extra healing, after everything's sorted out.

[He'd know best, she supposes.]

I finally have the ingredients for a decent healing potion again, thankfully.

[sassery]

Will do, thanks, Hakuno.

[It may seem small, but she can see him sigh at Dante's antics, frustrated. So yeah, he really is thankful for her offer.]

Seriously? You know how to make that stuff?

[sealeted]

Yeah, I've been studying Alchemy since I got here. It was something I never got to try before, given the type of magic we still had available back where I'm from.

[Also, Codecasts tire her out and she's hopeful she might be able to produce her own supply of Ether to make up the difference, rather than rely on Blessings.]